Derrick Dean Smith

He married Diana Treadway upon completion of his service in the Air Force. He worked 36 years for Gulf States Utilities, starting as an operator and working his way to upper management. Ducky, as he was known growing up in DeQuincy settled in Westlake and resided there for 55 years until his death. Derrick loved family gatherings, flying his plane and working in his yard.

Derrick was the consummate father. He never missed any of his children or grandchildren's events. Whether it be ball games, award ceremonies, dance recitals or Grandparent's Day, you could count on Nana and Pop being there. Late in his forties, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. Soon after earning his license he bought a Piper Tri-pacer and most weekends, very early in the morning, he would fly the skies of Southwest Louisiana. He was a member of the Lake Area Runners. He competed in most local races and in the Houston Marathon. Derrick enjoyed crossword puzzles and drinking a couple of beers on the wharf watching the river go by with his loving wife.

Survivors include his wife, Diana Smith of Westlake; son, Derrick Wayne Smith and wife Melanie of Moss Bluff; daughters, Stacey Lyn Smith of Westlake, Dayna Leigh Gelinas and husband Robert of Lake Charles and Ellen Kay Miller and husband Wade of Westlake; brothers, Lionel Vandergriff of Orange, TX, Billy Vandergriff of Bossier City, Thomas Vandergriff of DeQuincy and James Vandergriff of Oakdale; sister, Mary Lou Grant of Crosby, TX; grandchildren, Blake Ortego, Madeline Smith Chesson and husband Justin, Cody Miller, Abbie Smith, Brandon White, Kyle Miller and Jessie Miller; great grandson, Eli Chesson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Beatrice Vandergriff; and sisters, Shirley Rose and Sandra Bayless.

A Celebration of Life will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, August 17, 2014 at Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to donor’s favorite charity.