Derek Ray Mauk

Derek loved his friends and family with all of his heart, but there was no stronger love than for his sons, Everett (5 years) and Spencer (23 months). They felt his love, his tenderness, and devotion to them each time they were together. Everett’s “super Dad hugs” and Spencer’s 2-handed cheek kisses and hugs were a testament to their Dad’s love. He cared about all the details in their lives and worked tirelessly to ensure they felt safe and loved.

Derek loved to travel, build and restore wood pieces and garden. He was very interested in making his surroundings more beautiful and preserving the planet for generations to come. He was very proud that his home was viewed as a flower garden by neighbors due to the tree, plant and flower varieties that bloomed in multiple seasons. He traveled all over the United States with family and traveled to multiple countries on four continents.

Derek was viewed by many as one of the most giving people they knew. Whether it was volunteering in his community or helping a friend in need, it was very important to him that others knew he cared. As described by community members and business owners, Derek planted flowers, made and restored benches, picked up trash, helped build playgrounds, provided free marketing and advertising advice, and more to ensure he gave back to his community.

Derek started his life in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born April 22, 1987, to his proud parents, Brett and Patrice Mauk. His family later included his younger brother, Jordan Mauk. He always wanted to be a good mentor and example for his brother. Derek was full of life and had an infectious personality and smile from the start. He displayed his strong thirst for learning at an early age and was a gifted student. He had many interests, including water skiing, snow skiing, sports cars, fishing, and a variety of sports, including football and baseball. During his youth, Derek excelled at sports and participated on several championship baseball and football teams. He loved being part of the team and working with others to win.

Derek spent his collegiate career at Purdue University, where he made many life-long friends. He was one of approximately 40 students that graduated in the inaugural year of the University Honors Program and served as the Co-President of the University Honors Program Leadership Council. Derek finished his Bachelors and Masters degrees in 5 years, majoring in Accounting, General Management, Competitive Strategy and Innovation and Technology. He served as President, Vice President and Chairman of several organizations at Purdue. In 2017, he was one of 5 alumni chosen to receive the Rising Professionals Honor. Derek felt he should give back to Purdue after graduation as well and served on the Purdue University Marketing Advisory Board, Purdue University Libraries Dean’s Advisory Board, and Purdue University Honors College Dean’s Advisory Council for 11 years following his graduation.

Derek had a strong work ethic from a young age, including starting his own mowing business when he was 14. Since 2022 and at the time of his passing, Derek was the President and Head of Marketing & Innovation for Mass. Bay Brewing Company, Inc. in Boston. He had previously held several senior positions at both Drinkworks by Keurig and Anheuser-Busch, and held positions in brand management, innovation and finance management at Proctor & Gamble. He also had the privilege of participating in the opening and closing ceremonies of the NYSE on Wall Street.

Derek is survived by his sons, Everett and Spencer (Concord, MA), his parents, Brett and Patrice Mauk (Fort Wayne, IN), his brother, Jordan Mauk and sister-in-law, Dylan (Verona, WI), his nephew, Archer Mauk (Verona, WI), his estranged wife, Anne Mauk (Concord, MA) and extended family including many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his twin sons, Bennett and Skyler.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 9:00 pm Thursday June 22, 2023, at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN.

The funeral service will be 10:00 am Friday June 23, 2023, at the funeral home, with visitation one hour prior to service.

Derek’s body will be laid to rest 12:00 pm Friday June 23, 2023, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, 11201 S. Marion Road 35. Marion, IN.

Remembrances may be made in lieu of flowers to The Derek Mauk Foundation. The foundation will focus on the things that Derek felt were important – scholarships, ethics, community and improving the world for all.