Atchilee Derrick was the second of twelve children born to the union of Roberta [Jones] Derrick and Charley Derrick on November 22, 1922 in Muskogee County.  His formative years were spent in the New Hope Community, where he attended New Hope Public School and New Hope Baptist Church.  He and his siblings were taught the value of work by assisting their parents with the family farm and cattle.  One of his favorite pastimes was riding horses.  He was affectionately known by family and friends as "East."

Atchilee married Anna Mae Sewell and to this union, five children were born.  He provided for his family by farming and later spent many years working in the construction industry.  This marriage was later dissolved.

He later moved to Joplin, Missouri, where he and his wife, Katy resided until his health began to fail.  On December 17, 2007, he became a resident of Brentwood Extended Care and Rehab Center in Muskogee, where he resided until his death.  During the nearly ten years at Brentwood, he received loving care from his younger brother, George. George visited "East" every day and provided treats for not only his brother, but the other residents and staff.  He especially enjoyed his monthly trip to Earnest Edward's Barber shop and the Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities at the Center.  After his brother, L.C. and sister, Lois became residents at Brentwood, they enjoyed eating their meals together and visiting.

After 94 years, Atchilee Derrick, Sr., left this life for a life eternal.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Roberta Derrick; his brothers, Leo, Paul and Bonny; his children, Barbara Derrick Brown and Maurice Derrick.

He leaves behind; his children, Atchilee [Brenda] Derrick, Jr., Muskogee, Oklahoma, Glenn [Pat] Derrick, Texas and Darlene Derrick Simmons, Muskogee;  his siblings, L. C. [Leola] Derrick, Checotah, Oklahoma, Ellora Derrick Lyons, Peoria, Illinois, Mattie Derrick Diles, Riverside, California, John Derrick, Muskogee, Lois Derrick Rush, Muskogee, Pearl Derrick Brewer, Peoria, Illinois, George [Stella] Derrick, Muskogee, and MacArthur Derrick and wife, Joplin, Missouri;  a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, along with a caravan of nieces, nephews, other extended family members and his Brentwood Care family.

The Hour of Remembrance for Mr. Derrick will commence on Saturday morning, September 2, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in the New Hope Baptist Church at Oktaha, Oklahoma.  Reverend Michael Logan, Pastor, will officiate.

Burial will follow the service in the New Hope Cemetery.

You may visit Mr. Derrick, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home on Friday from 12 Noon until 6:00 PM.