John Derthick

JOHN J. (POP) DERTHICK, 71, Harrisburg, NC (formerly of Valdese, NC) passed on to his eternal rest with his Lord on July 9, 2011 in Kannapolis, North Carolina of natural causes. John was born September 13, 1939 in Adrian, Michigan to parents Forrest E. and Dorothy (Gillis) Derthick. He spent his childhood in Blissfield, Michigan and graduated high school in 1957. In July 1958, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1961. John’s chosen profession was long distance trucking and he settled his family in New Jersey. In June 1968, John was united in marriage to Louisa Ocasio and to this union was born Thomas Dale Derthick (November 1969) and Beth Ann Derthick (October 1971). John was an avid reader all of his life and enjoyed westerns, thrillers, history, and bible study. He was a dedicated member of the Crossroads Church of God in Statesville, NC where his church family remembers him as a generous friend and wise mentor. John was always the first to help those in need and this was a driving force in his life and the basis of his personality and generous heart. He particularly enjoyed helping young people to make a new life for themselves. John was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, James Dotson. He is survived by his son, Thomas and wife Kim Derthick of Harrisburg, North Carolina; daughter, Beth Derthick of Lakewood, New Jersey; grandson Jacob Derthick of Harrisburg, North Carolina; sister Linda and Charles Dotson of May Oklahoma, several beloved nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Crossroads Church of God, 345 Nixon Road, Statesville, NC. Memorials can be made in John Derthick’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospitals, Memphis, TN – one of his favorite charities. The family wishes to give their thanks to God for the many graces and blessings that have been bestowed on us all. Pop was a man of great faith and we know his spirit is watching over us all and waiting for our reunion. Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Derthick family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com.