Derek White
Jerseyville |
Derek Lee White, 30, passed away at 12:34 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri, as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.
Born on September 26, 1994, in Jacksonville, Illinois, Derek was the son of Andrew and Catrina White. He grew up in Jersey County, where he built a life full of passion, perseverance, and love for those around him.
Derek was a man of many talents and even more dreams. His passion for motorcycles extended beyond just riding - he loved working on them, perfecting every detail with skill and care. He had a natural gift for automotive mechanics, an area in which he excelled and hoped to one day build into his own business. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; he also dreamed of starting his own recovery group, a vision he had already named “New Skins” - testament to his belief in transformation, redemption, and the power of second chances.
Derek was a proud member of Healing Waters Church, where he found community and purpose in his faith and his recovery journey. He knew struggle well, facing addiction throughout his life, but he also knew hope, resilience, and the determination to keep moving forward. He was always open about his imperfections, never pretending to be someone he wasn’t. He lived with honesty, always striving to be better, and carried a heart that sought to uplift others who walked similar paths.
He had an undeniable charisma - he never met a stranger, and no matter who you were, he could find a way to connect with you. He rarely lost his temper, never held grudges, and was the kind of person who made people feel welcome, heard, and valued.
Derek had a deep love for his family, especially his niece, nephews, and younger brother, with whom he shared a special bond. He took pride in spending time with them, making memories that they will carry forever. His dog, Duke, was his greatest companion-his #1 best friend and, in his words, his “child.”
A devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, Derek loved organizing player pools and betting on FanDuel, always adding an extra level of excitement to every game day. He also had a keen sense of style, with a love for Nike shoes and Calvin Klein clothing that never went unnoticed.
Derek is survived by his parents, Andrew White and Catrina White, both of Jerseyville; two brothers, Jonathan White and Levi Buchanan, both of Jerseyville; his sister-in-law, Tiffany White, also of Jerseyville - who was a lifelong and trusted friend who Derek looked to as more of a sister, than a sister-in-law; his nephews, Brody and Chase; his niece, Leeann; his grandfather, Paul Williams and his wife, Louise, of Jerseyville; and his aunts and uncles, Angela Miller of Mansfield, Missouri, Jack (Tina) White of Franklin, Judy (Junior) Whited of Greenfield, and Terry (Rob) Weimer of Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kathy (Michael) Carter, Lula Williams, and John and Mary Lee White; his uncles, Steven and Joseph Carter, and Tom White; and his cousin, Morgan.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until time of funeral services at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Memorials may be given to SAFE Project, an organization dedicated to supporting those battling addiction and advocating for recovery resources.
Derek’s story was not one of perfection, but of perseverance, growth, and heart. His journey may have been marked by struggles, but it was defined by his kindness, his dreams, and the love he shared. He believed in second chances - not just for himself, but for everyone. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, in the memories he made, and in the lessons he taught: no matter how many times you fall, you can always get back up.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
