William Howard Derges

Last week, on October 3rd, we said goodbye to Julie’s dad.  It was a bittersweet occasion.  On the one hand, we knew he was in heaven, partying with Jesus.  On the other hand, we’re not going to get to see him for a while.  He’s really going to be missed!

Not only was he a friendly, caring man, but he was a true servant.  He worked for 26 years as the Brown Township road commissioner - “digging ditches” as he liked to call it.  He was the guy behind the scenes who made sure a lot of the “little” things got done - like painting the high school football field, mowing a remote cemetery, landscaping a local park, managing the demolition derby track at the local fair, and providing meals for the football team.  He also counseled people as part of the Stephen’s Ministry.

We can learn a lot from Bill’s life, especially his desire for justice.  It’s easy to shrug our shoulders when something doesn’t go right, but Bill did everything he could to make sure things were fair.

Thank you to everyone who has sent messages, cards, and prayers.  It has meant a great deal!