Roland L. Derrickson, 82, of Dagsboro, Del., passed away Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific as a United States Marine. After attending Goldey Beacom Business College, he returned to Sussex County, Del., to begin a career as a farmer and continued to farm until 1979.
Always active in community service, Derrickson served as a lay leader at St. George’s United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Del. He was president of the board of the Indian River School District from 1969 to 1971 and, prior to that, president of the board of the former Lord Baltimore School District. Other community service activities included agriculture cooperative boards and committees, service clubs, church boards and committees, PTA and numerous other activities. He was a past master of the Millville Masonic Lodge.
In 1969, Derrickson began working for Sussex County as a zoning administrator. In 1971 he became the first director of Planning and Zoning for Sussex County. Retiring in 1984, he was hired as executive director of the Delmarva Advisory Council. In 1985, he joined the Delaware Department of Agriculture as a director and then deputy secretary, holding this post until 1992, when then-Gov. Mike Castle appointed him acting Secretary of Agriculture. He retired from state service in 1993 and was later in that year elected Sussex County Republican Party chairman.
In the late 1970’s, Derrickson joined with a group of local businesspeople to organize and establish Delaware National Bank. He remained as a bank director for many years. In retirement, he obtained his Realtor’s license and worked in the Millsboro, Del., office of Cooper Realty Associates.
Derrickson was preceded in death by his parents, Milton L. and Roxie (Cropper) Derrickson; a sister, Helen D. Banks; a daughter-in-law, A. Paulette Derrickson; and a grandson, Brad L. Derrickson. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ramona (Beamer) Derrickson; three sons, M. Lee Derrickson and wife, Teresa, Dr. Dale R. Derrickson and wife, Karen, and Brian S. Derrickson; a daughter, Cindy S. Wimbrow and husband, Howard; two sisters, Doris Turner and Violet Hudson; four grandsons, Michael Derrickson and wife, Julie, Keith Derrickson, Derrick Wimbrow and Jamie Raymond; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, with interment in St. George’s Cemetery in Clarksville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Millville U.M. Church, P.O. Box 1179, Millville, DE 19967; or Compassionate Care Hospice, 31038 Country Garden Blvd., Suite D2, Dagsboro, DE 19939.