Frederick Martin “Fred” Derque, 88, of Crystal City died April 4, 2021, at his home. Mr. Derque, a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Navy, was a retired operator and maintenance coordinator for Monsanto and a member of the International Chemical Workers Union Local 81.
He was an avid tennis player and golfer and loved boating and wintering in Florida with his late wife. Doris. He was a talented musician, playing many instruments, and loved all genres of music, but his favorite was playing bluegrass with friends in both Missouri and Florida. He was born Jan. 24, 193,3 in Herculaneum, the son of the late Ola Belle (Ellis) and Frederick Edward Derque. He was recently preceded in death by his wife: Doris (nee Akins) Derque, who died in August 2020.
He is survived by two daughters: Denise Lynn Clippard of Festus and Pamela Renee (Bret) Meese of Festus; two sons: Michael Wayne (Linda) Derque of French Village and Grant Edward (Kelli) Derque of Festus; two sisters Bonnie (Jerry) DeClue and Donna (the late Garvis) Meyers, both of Festus; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
A graveside memorial service and burial will take place at a later date in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Arrangements were under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.