Beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on September 13, 2025, at the age of 31. He was born on December 8, 1993, to Rick and Pam Anderson, and from the very beginning, Derrick was the highlight of their lives—mischievous, full of energy, and always ready for the next adventure.
Derrick had a smile that could light up a room, and he was always smiling. His hugs and his signature “I love you” goodbyes made everyone feel special and at home. He never let anyone leave his presence without knowing they were loved. To know Derrick was to feel welcomed, cherished, and seen.
Family was at the center of Derrick’s world. He shared a unique and unshakable bond with each of his siblings, his mom, and his dad. He especially loved watching football and hockey with his mom, and the two never missed an opportunity to share a game together. Derrick wanted nothing more than to make his dad proud, and he did so in many ways—most notably in his career. He worked as a heavy equipment operator, running a gravel pit with skill and dedication. He was proud of the work he accomplished and was truly gifted in his trade.
As an uncle, Derrick was unmatched—his nieces and nephews adored him. Whether he was picking them up for ice cream, bringing them a new monster truck, or running them around the farm, Derrick was their greatest hero and favorite playmate. Their squeals of joy when he arrived said it all: Uncle Derrick was their everything.
Though Derrick was allergic to animals, he loved all creatures of life. Because of his allergy, he found a deep love for reptiles from a young age. He also had an unquenchable thirst for adventure, and he lived life at full speed. From racing Baja trucks and dirt bikes, to snowmobiles flying down mountainsides, to boats cutting across Lake Powell, Derrick never shied away from the fast or the daring. He loved to golf, rooted passionately for the Raiders and the Golden Knights, and shared in sports bets and laughs with his brothers.
Derrick was also blessed with a lifelong friendship that meant the world to him. His best friend and sidekick, Bryton, was always by his side—through every adventure, every laugh, every late night, and every challenge. Together, they created a bond that was more like brothers than friends, and Derrick cherished having Bryton in his corner.
He was also the king of mischief and teasing. Strangers didn’t stay strangers for long—he had a way of making everyone feel like family. He might call you the wrong name, jokingly tell you that you were ugly, then pull you into a hug, tell you he loved you, and remind you just how beautiful you really were. He was known for leaving his special “X” tag all over Parowan, Mesquite, and everywhere else he went—an unmistakable mark of his playful spirit and presence. And if you knew Derrick, you knew one thing for certain—he was never on time. He was notorious for being late to everything, but in true Derrick fashion, he always showed up with a smile, a story, and a hug that made the wait more than worth it.
He had his quirks, too, that everyone loved him for: his obsession with hot sauce and salt (he wouldn’t eat a dish without them), and his unmatched candy stash, which he hoarded like no other. These small things made Derrick, Derrick—and those who loved him wouldn’t change a thing.
Perhaps Derrick’s greatest gift was his ability to inspire loyalty and joy. He could persuade anyone, and no matter where he went, people wanted to follow him. That same spirit lives on now, as Derrick leads his next great adventure in heaven, surrounded by angels, continuing to bring light, love, and laughter to all around him.
Derrick is survived by his parents, Pamela Anderson, and Rick and Leslee Anderson; his brothers Andrew (Abbey) Anderson, Lyle (Abbey) Anderson, Jacob (Ali) Matheson, and Matthew (Ashlyn) Matheson; his sisters Vanessa Anderson, Avia Anderson, Josie Anderson, and Katlynn (Dusty) Hone; and two nephews and one niece, whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Grandpa and Grandma Anderson, and Grandma Harrison.
Services will be held in Parowan, Utah, at the LDS West Church Building. A viewing will take place on Friday evening, September 19, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday morning, September 20, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m.
Derrick will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and all who had the blessing of knowing him. His memory will forever be carried in their hearts.
“Families are forever, and love is eternal.”