David Stewart Derickson went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in Turlock, CA. He was 92 years old.

David was born on May 20, 1932 to Stewart A. Derickson and Lois Maxine Derickson in a small town in Iowa. Before two years of age, he moved to Escalon, California where he lived until 2015. He graduated from Escalon High School where he played football. He attended Modesto Junior College for one year before he was drafted into the army in February 1952; he served until January 1955.

David worked, for over 50 years, with his father and eventually became the owner of Derickson Trucking. He was known as an authentic man of God who always had a smile and warm hug for his friends. After retirement he and wife, Bernita, enjoyed traveling the US and Canada in their RV, visiting friends and family as they traveled plus making new friends in the various RV Clubs they were a part of over the years. In 2015, they moved to Covenant Living in Turlock, CA while continuing to travel; their last RV having over 200,000 miles.

David is survived by his loving wife Bernita (Edwards) of 72 years; his daughters, Vicki (Steve) Steigleder and Cheri (Cliff) Heard; he will long be remembered by his five grandchildren, Loryn (Josh) True, Andrea (Erik) Powell, Chellie (Gabe) Kovacs, Ryan (Jessica) Steigleder and Justin (Bailee) Heard; he was blessed to have 11 great-grandchildren call him Papa (or Gpa); his sister Ruth (Jim) Coffey.

Visitation will be held on April 1, 2025 at Deegan Funeral Chapel, Escalon, CA, from 4 pm to 7 pm. David’s life will be celebrated at Burwood Cemetery on April 2, 2025 at 1 pm.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

March 26, 2025