Derek Leeroy Thomas

Derek Leeroy Thomas age 33, of Wilmington DE passed away August 13, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. Derek was born in Kansas City, KS. Derek grew up in a small town in Gardner Kansas, Graduated Gardner High School. Derek wanted to be part of something larger than himself. He decided to serve in the United States Air Force and served multiple tours during Operation Enduring Freedom. After separating from the service Derek took a year and traveled the world, visiting multiple countries before starting his schooling at Del Tech. Derek graduated from the Delaware Tech Paramedic program in 2022 Class 27 and was honored at Feb 2, 2023 coin ceremony. Derek had formed a forever bond with his fellow classmates: Joshua Diaz, Chris Donaldson, Joseph Gallagher and Enma Rodriguez. Derek had a kind nurturing personality, sarcastic but loving humor and his ability to take action and respond calmly in difficult challenges exhibited the man his family and loved ones are so proud of. Derek’s dream of being a caregiver was fulfilled when joining Kent County Levy Court Paramedics. In his short time at Kent County prior to diagnosis Derek found his place and home. The love and support provided by Kent County and the community has touched the hearts of Derek and his family. Derek left such a lasting impression in the hearts of many people that oddly enough, one day during chemo treatment Derek was sitting next to a kind gentleman at the Helen Graham center. The gentleman told Derek he looked familiar and asked where he knew him from? Derek replied he was not native to Delaware, and it must be from Del Tech, The Fire Academy or Kent County Paramedics. The gentleman gave it some deep thought and said No, that is not it. Midway through the chemo treatments He replied. I remember. Years ago, you had come into my granddaughter’s school, and took pictures of the class for the yearbook. (Derek's first job was with Lifetouch Photography) The granddaughter had autism. Her grandfather remembered Derek that day and what a kind soul he was and how patiently he worked with his granddaughter and how wonderfully her school portrait had turned out. It is a small world, meeting her grandfather over 10 years later at a cancer center and being told Derek made an impact on his, and his granddaughter’s life. I wish I remembered the family’s name. Derek also enjoyed Hockey, baseball and soccer, Online gaming and spending time with family and friends. Derek is survived by his parents, Darrell and Sandra Thomas; grandparents: Lois Maichle, Bruce Maichle and Arnelia Mortell; uncle, Bruce Machle Jr.; cousins and extended family. Derek was preceded in death by his grandfather, Roy Mortell; sister(cousin), Cassondra Mortell; and aunt, Sheryl Mortell-Benter. The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to: Christy Church, Ken Decker, Dianne Bowen, The Helen Graham Center, Accent Care Hospice, Kent County Levy Court, Del Tech Paramedic Program, and Veterans Administration. A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 1-3 PM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702 followed by a celebration of Derek’s life with military honors at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware https://secure.qgiv.com/event/nmaglp/page/tributegifts. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com.

Derek Leeroy Thomas

August 5, 1991 - August 13, 2024

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