David Alan Derr

David was a proud, native Texan, born and raised in Houston to parents Hallie Ruth (Spillman) and Harold James Derr. He graduated from Stratford High School, then attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1985--Hook ‘Em, Horns! Following graduation, David returned to his beloved hometown of Houston, where he spent 37 years working alongside his brother, Mike, in the oil and gas industry as the Vice President for Afton Pumps, Inc.

David was well-respected by his peers, humbly accepting numerous awards in recognition of his hard work and professional knowledge. He was a founding Board Member of the South Central Membrane Association (SCMA), eventually serving as President. David received their Distinguished Service Award and accepted the Presidential Award on behalf of Afton Pumps, Inc., in 2013. David also was an active member of the American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA), where he served as a Board Member as well as 2nd Vice President. The AMTA honored David with the Recognition & Services Award and the Presidential Award. He was a member of the Southeast Desalting Association (SEDA), a national affiliate of AMTA. David was a longtime member of the University of Texas Longhorn Foundation and a member at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher.

No other title or accomplishment compared to that of being a “girl dad” to his beautiful daughters, Lindsey Rochele Derr and Leah Lynn (Derr) Markle. David considered it a privilege to be their father. In 2020, he became a grandfather to Adalynn Rose Markle and was lovingly referred to as Granddaddy. David was blessed to meet the love of his life, Mary Theresa, in 2014, uniting together in marriage on February 3, 2018. When not working, David enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, or going to Austin to watch Longhorn football games. David enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He especially loved just hanging out at home by the pool with Mary and their dogs.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Hallie and Harold Derr. He is survived and will be dearly missed by his devoted wife, Mary Theresa Derr; his daughters, Lindsey Derr and Leah (Derr) Markle and her husband, Austin Markle; his granddaughter, Adalynn Rose Markle; his sister, Cindy Derr-Dragoo and her husband Lee Dragoo; his brother, Michael Derr and his wife Deborah Derr; all of his nephews, countless friends and co-workers, and by his faithful, four-legged companion, “Chloe”.

David will be laid to rest on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. The viewing will be at 9:00 a.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m.