Derrick H. Luckett

On Saturday, October 29, 1955 in Berkeley, California a handsome baby boy was born to Virgual and Algie Lee Luckett. They named him Derrick Harris Luckett and he was the fifth of seven children. As Derrick grew older, he was growing into a handsome baby such that in 1956, his parents were encouraged to enter him into the then Berkeley Baby Contest. He won “Pretty Baby of the Year” and was featured in a full-page article in The Berkeley Gazette!

Derrick attended Golden Gate, Peralta Elementary, Claremont Junior High and graduated from Oakland High School. In his early childhood Derrick ran track and played basketball but found his greatest enjoyment and achievements in baseball along with his childhood friend Glenn Burke. Upon graduation from high school Derrick fathered his first child, a daughter, Tasha Luckett. He attended St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California where he EXCELLED in baseball, receiving numerous awards and accolades including over 30 plus articles in The Berkeley Gazette highlighting his 380 batting average, home runs and stolen bases.

In 1980 Derrick accepted an appointment to the United States Academy Preparatory School, in El Paso, Colorado. Upon graduation from the Academy’s 10-month program he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, a U.S military decoration presented to service members who have demonstrated sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.

After leaving military service Derrick stayed in Texas where he began his twenty plus year career in the transportation industry, first as an over-the-road truck driver. Derrick loved driving trucks and took immense pride in his skill of transporting goods from state-to-state and people from location to location.

It was mid-way through his transportation career that Derrick moved back to California and he soon realized that the long hours traveling on the road was starting to take a toll on his life and physical health. It was at this point that Derrick decided to explore other career paths and began working for temporary agencies. He soon realized that he preferred working alone and decided to return to the truck driving industry.

In 1997, Derrick met the love of his life, Sarah Stevenson, while they were both working at Hewlitt Packard. One day Derrick made a very bold move and stopped Sarah in the hallway and told her that one day he was going to marry her! She looked at him like he crazy, and responded, OK, and walked away. When Derrick’s assignment at HP ended, he called the company numerous times looking for Sarah and leaving his contact information. After about two weeks she finally called him back and that was the beginning of their life together.

At a young age, Derrick accepted Christ as his Lord Savior at what was then the Ashley and Grove Church of Christ in Berkely California. Derrick had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an unfailing love for the Lord! While none of us are perfect and we all fall short of God’s Glory from time to time Derrick tried his best to live his life according to the Lord’s will.

For two years while Derrick was on disability he studied the Word under Full Gospel Ministry and Bread of Life. Derrick was ordained under My Risen Savior Ministries on June 25, 2000 by Rev. Roger Robertson and occasionally ministered at Bread of Life and Bethel Christian Church. Bethel had a ministry that would go to the Men’s Shelter, pick them up and bring them back to the church for services and breakfast. While driving the bus, Derrick would encourage the men on their walk with God by sharing the Word.

Through Jubilee Christian Center Derrick received his Diploma for Prison Fellowship. He was so excited about going into the prisons and faithfully sharing of his time, talent and love while reflecting on God’s grace and compassion to those caught in the cycle of crime.

At Milpitas Health Sports Center Derrick had a close relationship with the owner who allowed Derrick to have a ministry cell group that met twice a week.

Eventually Derrick had to go back to work and started working for the City of Palo Alto, driving a small bus transporting senior citizens to their appointments. During one instance Derrick was reprimanded for taking too long on his trips because he took advantage of the opportunity to minister to the riders. While driving for the city Derrick started studying for his truck endorsements which included HAZMAT, Doubles/Triples, Tanker and Air Brake Endorsements. He later was hired by Estes Express Lines from where he retired.

Derrick’s grandkids were the joy of his life, from teaching them how to ride a bike, to play baseball, football or basketball and how to hula hoop. They took trips to the park together, Derrick riding his Elliptical bike and the boys on their bikes enjoying one another’s company!

Derrick was preceded in death by his parents Virgual and Algie Lee Luckett, sister, Deborah Luckett-King and brother, Eugene Luckett.

Derrick will be lovingly remembered by his wife of twenty-four years, Sarah E. Luckett, daughter, Tasha Luckett of Hayward, CA. granddaughter Azure Butler, grandsons, Elijah Washington, Mason and Dylan Stevenson, stepsons and daughter in-laws, Marcus and Laura Albury, Marco Washington, Marcel and Lyndsey Stevenson, four siblings and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

BROTHER DERRICK

We find peace in knowing that you touched our lives for 67 years. We find happiness in knowing that you will live on in all of our memories. We will forever cherish and continue to remember you.

To the Oldman and Mama, take care of our brother.

Virgil, Carolyn, Gwen, Vincent

TO THE MOURNERS

As we look into the crowd of people mourning our beloved Derrick, we find comfort in knowing that all of you loved him, and find Peace in knowing that he also touched your hearts.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the Luckett family.