Derks, Brian Specialist 4th Class Brian Keith Derks, age 21 of White Cloud, passed away from injuries he received while serving his country in the United States Army stationed with the Fox Group Second Squadron of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq. Brian was born on July 12, 1984 in Fremont to Keith and Peggy (Willson) Derks. Brian graduated from White Cloud High School in 2003 where he enjoyed and was an active member of the Quiz Bowl team, football, and baseball teams. During his junior and senior year of high school, Brian worked at Bob Evans Restaurant in Big Rapids prior to his enlistment in the United States Army. Brian was an active member of the White Cloud community where he is a lifelong member of the Christ Lutheran Church; an active member of the White Cloud Boy Scouts Troup #1137 where he became an Eagle Scout and served as assistant Scout Master for a period. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, computers and spending time with his family on all the holidays but especially Thanksgiving. Brians sense of humor kept everybody laughing, his loyalty first to God then to his family and friends and his country and his generosity will always be remembered. He is survived by his loving parents, Keith and Peggy Derks of White Cloud; his sister, Sally Derks of White Cloud; his fianc, Nikki Crans of Fremont; maternal grandparents, Emery and Esther Willson of White Cloud; paternal grandparents, Vernon and Evelyn Derks of Fremont; aunts and uncles, Randy (Sue) Derks of Fremont; Randy (Margaret) Willson of White Cloud; Ricky (Delvina) Willson of Dover, Delaware; Harry (Terri) Willson of White Cloud; 13 cousins; many great aunts, uncles and cousins; numerous friends he called mom and dad, brothers and sisters and his best buds. Memorial services were held on Thursday, August 18, 2005 at 3pm at Brian's base, Fort Irwin, California. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 22, 2005 from the First Christian Reformed Church in Fremont with Rev. Richard Hoogerhyde of the Christ Lutheran Church presiding. Interment followed at the White Cloud Cemetery with military rites given a Honor Guard from Fort Hood, Kentucky. Friends may consider the White Cloud High School Quiz Bowl or Boy Scouts of America, White Cloud Troop #1137 for memorial contributions in memory of Brian. Friends may also send condolences or share a memory with the Derks family at www.crandellfh.com. Share a free confidential condolence to the Derks Family on-line Information for the ceremonial arrival formation to honor Brian Derks on his arrival home to White Cloud ============================================================ PRESS RELEASE FROM THE DERKS FAMILY ISSUED ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON We are Randy and Sue Derks, Brian's uncle and aunt. As you are already aware, we received the unfortunate news that Brian was killed in action while serving his country in Iraq. The US Army notified his parents, Keith and Peggy Derks and sister Sally, Saturday afternoon of Brian's death. We are proud of Brian for his service to our country because it's been his dream. Brian's dream was to serve in the army and he emailed and telephoned his parents frequently. He often bragged about driving the humvee around Baghdad. He loved doing so. He sent pictures of himself with other soldiers from his unit. Brian had great pride in what his mission was in Iraq. Brian graduated from White Cloud High School in 2003. He was an active member of the White Cloud High School Football Team, Baseball Team and Quiz Bowl Teams. He enlisted in the Army shortly after graduating from high school. In honoring Brian, please give the family time to mourn and respect of a fallen hero. Brian is a hero to all that knew him. We love and miss him. Further updates will be available at a later time. The Family of Brian Derks ============================================================ NEWS RELEASE FROM GOVERNOR JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM Flags to be Flown Half-Staff Thursday for Serviceman Killed in Iraq Half-Staff Flag August 16, 2005 LANSING Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today ordered that United States flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters be lowered for one day on Thursday, August 18, in honor of Army Specialist Brian K. Derks of White Cloud who died August 13 while on active duty in Iraq. Flags should return to full-staff Friday, August 19. Army Spc. Derks, 21, was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on mounted patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, Fort Irwin, California. Under Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code, 4 USC 7, Governor Granholm, in December 2003, issued a proclamation requiring United States flags lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty. When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the United States flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. When a member of the armed services from Michigan is killed in action, the Governor will issue a press release with information about the individual(s) and the day that has been designated for flags to be lowered in his or her honor. The information will also be posted on Governor Granholms web site at www.michigan.gov/gov in the section titled Spotlight I was in Brians platoon while he was deployed to Iraq. I do remember spending quite a few days with him, both state-side as well as deployed. He was a good young man. Extremely full of life and a joy to be around. And, I remember the unfortunate day that we all lost such a wonderful friend. I just wanted to let you know that he has never been forgotten. David White Posted 3/15/2010