Spruce Derden

Spruce M. Derden, 86, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 16, 2016. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Spruce was born December 23, 1929 in Dawson Texas to Riley and Alice Turner Derden. He married Dorthy Patterson on May 17, 1952 in Big Spring, Texas, and the couple enjoyed 64+ years of marriage. He lived a full life, loving his family and his country. He served over 23 years in the United States Air Force, stationed at 5 separate bases in Texas, and in bases in Montana, Alabama, New Mexico, South Dakota, Korea and Newfoundland. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked at Baylor Medical Center and Harris Corporation, both in Dallas. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Trinity Baptist Church, and bowled for many years.

Spruce is survived by his wife, Dorthy; three children, Spruce Derden, Jr. and wife LaVeda of Natchez, MS; David Derden and wife Kandy of Sedalia, MO; and Wanda Cano and husband Rudy of New Braunfels; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; granddaughter Ariel Young of Abilene; Cori Cano of New Braunfels; grandson Doug "Bonz" Jones and his children Zoee and Zaccary of Abilene; granddaughter Lindsey Roland and her two girls, Raeanna and Sayde of Burleson; grandson Spruce Derden III and wife Lina of Clinton, MS; granddaughter Leighann LeMaster, husband Jacob and their son, Griffin of Morrilton, AR. He is also survived by two brothers, Russell Derden and wife Shirley and Johnnie Derden and wife Bobbie, all of Rice; and two sisters, Vera "Billie" Morrison and Bonnie Follis, both of Dallas.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Hazel Young, his parents; one brother, Earnest Derden; and one sister, Iris Owens.

Spruce was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but he is in heaven with his Lord and Savior without any more pain. God received a great, loving, caring man and heaven is a better place

Online condolences may be shared through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, October 20, 2016
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606