Derek Daniel Anderson

Derek Anderson, 30, of Orange, Texas, passed away on November 12, 2020, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. Graveside services, under the direction of Dorman Funeral Home, will be held at, Orange Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in West Orange, at 11:00 AM on, Friday, November 20, 2020.

Derek Daniel Anderson was born on Monday, June 11, 1990 to parents, Danny and Lori Anderson. He was known for his big smile, contagious laughter and huge heart. If you were blessed to cross paths with Derek, he was forever your friend and you would never forget meeting him. He had a recognizable face; one in which many around town “knew” him, but really never KNEW of him or the many challenges life threw his way.

After graduating from Bridge City High School, Derek split his time working with his father, Danny, at Parker Business Forms and with his mother, Lori, at the office of Drs. Gordon and Parker. It was at these two locations he spent many a day not only assisting with a variety of office tasks, but performing what became his best asset: putting a smile on all of those who crossed paths with him. This included not only the staff but also the many customers and patients who were fortunate enough to meet Derek.

If this was not enough, Derek’s presence had an even more profound effect on the many friends and family that surrounded and supported the Anderson and Kolar family throughout Derek’s life. Although it brought its own challenges, Derek’s diagnosis of Prader-willi syndrome brought friends and family together in a way that would have never been possible without it. We are all better for having had Derek in our lives. Through Derek, God showed us what pure innocence looks like. He showed us unconditional love. Through his parents and his family, God showed us what true sacrifice looks like.

The family would like to thank everyone that helped throughout the 30+ years of Derek’s earthly life. It truly takes a “village" to help raise a special needs child. We are eternally grateful to each of you. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you donate to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (https://www.fpwr.org).

Derek was preceded in death by his uncle Randy Kolar and his cousin Joshua Storey.

Derek leaves behind his parents, Danny and Lori Anderson; sister, Brittany Anderson Wheeler and husband Nathan; nieces, Brooklyn, Madilyn and Jordyn Wheeler; grandparents, Ray and Hope Kolar, Grady and Linda Brown, and Dan and Brenda Anderson; uncles and aunts Jeff and Christine Kolar, Lauree Kolar, Robert and Darlene Hughes, Larry and Theresa Henry, Larry and Mary Callahan; as well as, numerous cousins and extended family and friends.

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