He had a passion for family, art, music, and sports. Although he had muscular dystrophy, he did not let that define who he was. Derek touched everyone’s life that knew him. It didn’t matter who you were, Derek was your friend. He put everyone at ease, made you laugh and enjoy every minute of every day.
He will forever live on in his parents, Sara Lafreniere, Douglas and Terri Howard. He also leaves behind his siblings, Traci Lafreniere Alfonso, Tara Landon and her husband John, Matthew Howard, and Emily Howard; five nieces and a nephew, Aizlyn, Shaylie, Kindyl, Kamryn, Hannah, and Adam; paternal grandparents, Roger and Beverly Howard; his step-grandparents, Michael and Jean Call, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Claire Lafreniere and his brother-in-law, Brian Alfonso.
“May the force be with you.”
A family service will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, April 18 in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home., 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson, Tennessee 37343.
The family will receive friends following the service from 3-7 at the North Chapel.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.