Derek S. Scammell, 83 on the evening of May 11th, 2019 in Ocala Florida, slipped his earthly bonds and headed for Heaven. Abiding by his wishes he was cremated and awaits Interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell FL at a future time.
Derek was born April 25, 1936, the only son of Ernest and Daisy Scammell, in London, England.
After graduation, he joined the British Royal Navy serving in the Middle East during the Suez Crisis.
In 1957 he joined the Metropolitan Police Force. At a police dance he met Alice Mullan, they were married July 18, 1964. In May, 1965 the newlyweds headed for the USA where Derek enlisted in the US Army rather than wait to be drafted. From 1967-1968 he served with the 118th Assault Helicopter Thunderbirds as crew Chief on a UH-1 armed helicopter in Vietnam earning numerous medals including a Purple Heart.
In 1971 their son, Michael, was born in Savannah GA. Derik's military service snowballed into 22 years before he retired.
From 1989-2001 Derek was employed by Dept. of Energy, attached to the Nevada Test Site as Public Affairs Officer. Retirement and Florida beckoned in 2006.
Derek was a true patriot, an honest, kind and gentle person and he will be missed by many.
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