Pete Melbourne L. Derks, age 76 of Fremont, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 5, 2009 at the Gerber Memorial Health Services in Fremont. Pete was born on November 4, 1932 in Fremont to George and Hattie (Klomp) Derks and met and later married Sandra Olson on October 10, 1959 in Fremont. Pete has been a lifelong resident of Fremont and was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church. Pete was one of the best fast pitch softball pitchers in Fremont and had played for the Muskegon Red Seals and on the Heyboer baseball team and had traveled to the state finals several times and won the championship 3 times. His love of baseball continued in Fremont and he coached little league baseball in Fremont for 18 years. Pete has delivered milk in West Michigan for over 53 years and owned and operated Derks Dairy Foods for the past 37 years until his retirement on July 5, 2009. He truly enjoyed working and visiting with his customers and was always willing to help anyone out in a time on need and asking nothing in return. Pete cherished the time he spent with his family and very proud of all his grandchildren. Pete served in the United States Army Military Police during the Korean War. Pete is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra of Fremont; his son, Jeff (Pam) Derks of Fremont and their children, Amber, Ashley (Darmon); and Zach; his daughter, Lorie Plank of Cedar Springs and her children, Jeffrey, Aiyana, Jared; his brothers and sisters, Verne (Evelyn) Derks of Fremont; Bob (Mary) Derks of Fremont; Betty Hallmeyer of Fremont; Ken Derks of Fremont; Judy (Wilbur) Karp of Fremont; Marlene (A.L.) Karnemaat of Fremont; Gary (Fran) Derks of Fremont; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike Derks, Weldon Derks, Irwin Derks and Milan Derks; his nephews, Al Derks and U.S. Army Specialist Brian Derks. VISITATION : Thursday, July 9, 2009 from 2-4 & 6-8 at Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICES : Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11am at the First Christian Reformed Church in Fremont. INTERMENT : Bridgeton Township Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : American Cancer Society or Fremont Christian School. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Derks family online at www.crandellfh.com.