Derek Heath Todd
1968 ~ 2018
Date of death: February 4, 2018
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Todd family. Derek's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall their be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Derek Heath Todd "DT".
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Derek Heath Todd, “DT” passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018 in a local hospital, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born in Fordyce, Arkansas ~ Dallas County, October 30, 1968, to the parents of James H. Todd and Shirley Fort Todd.
Derek attended Fort Smith Public Schools, graduating from Northside High School, in 1987. He played football and played in the school orchestra. He later joined the U.S. Navy, where he served faithfully and honorably receiving the Bronze Star, First Good Conduct Award and many other Awards/Service Medals. Served as a fireman, barber and store manager among other assignments on the U.S. Fanning Naval Ship. Also Derek fought in Foreign Wars. He was a retired veteran.
Derek accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church, Van Buren, Arkansas, by Rev. Lorenzo L. Lee. He enjoyed Ushering, singing in the Youth Choir and all church youth activities. He enjoyed fishing, reading, singing, talking to people, and hearing his mother sing “The Old Dr. Watts Hymns”. He was an Active Mason of the Goodwill Lodge #120 Jurisdiction of Oklahoma until his health began to fail, where he held the position of Secretary working closely with the Treasurer. Derek was technically inclined, and enjoyed all music. He lived in Los Angeles, California, where he successfully owned and ran Barnes’ Bar-B-Que Restaurant with his business partner, Dunaté Bright until he returned to live with his mother in Fort Smith after his father, Pastor Lorenzo L. Lee passed.
He was preceded in death by his fathers, James Herron Todd and Pastor Lorenzo L. Lee, grandparents Herron & Dollie D. Todd, Arthur & Cleo N. Fort, Ester Lee, Annette Sigers, and a brother Jerome Harold Roberts.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory; his fiancée; Sondra Taylor, mother Shirley Fort Lee, two brothers, Rodney Eugene (Brenda) Lee of Los Angeles California, Cozax Malachi (Katherine) Lee of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Honorary Brothers Dwight (Ni’Kale) Moore of Powder Springs, Georgia, Garry (Mona) Washington of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Dunaté Bright of Las Vegas, Nevada, Larry (Dr. Aimee Do) Williams of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Pastor Andrew A. (Kathy) Robertson of Fort Smith, Arkansas; sister-in-law Atha Roberts of Fort Smith, Arkansas; A great aunt, Faye Lindsey of Oceanside, California; an aunt Rev. Carolyn Thrower of Las Vegas, Nevada; an uncle John C. Thrower of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two nieces, Rodneshia Lee of Los Angeles, California, Olivia Grace Lee of Fort Smith, Arkansas and a host of other dear nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Derek “DT” is going to be greatly missed by all.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2018 from 6-7 PM at Rowell-Parish Mortuary.
Celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, February 14, 2018, 11:00 AM at Unity Missionary Baptist Church, 1301 N. 13th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Committal service and final resting place will be held at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
