Thomas Uhl Derr

Our gentle, kind, loving and strong, Thomas Uhl Derr, went home to be with the Lord this week. He was 92. He was blessed to lead a full life in Kansas City. As a child, he attended St. Michael Grade School and then DeLaSalle Military Academy where he was selected as the first Cadet Colonel, the highest honor of his graduating class. He also played football and basketball on the varsity teams. Shortly after graduating high school in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Signalman Second Class, during this time, he risked his life to save many men who had gone overboard. On April 8, 1946, he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Kansas City and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Business from Rockhurst College. His career took him, first to Westinghouse and later to Trans World Airlines where he worked for 22 years as an internal auditor/staff analyst. His position with TWA included the benefit of world travel for both him and his family, which they cherished. His daughters also have fond memories of regular summer camping trips in which cousins or friends were often included. While his two daughters were in school at Loretto Academy, he was always available to lend a helping hand, even teaching the nuns to drive. Tom was the one who could always be counted on this character trait was evident all of his days. At 58, he took early retirement to care for his first wife, Margaret. And later was a dutiful husband to his second wife, Etta Mae through her illness. In his retired years, he served as a Eucharist Minister for the home-bound and made himself available for various ministry opportunities at his beloved church, it was a joy for him to connect with others and to serve in this way. Up until age 90, he was an avid league bowler earning a consistent high average and many awards. Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Leonard Derr, their three children; a miscarriage; Gerard Joseph, who was still-born, and Thomas Christopher, who survived just a few hours of life; his parents Emmanuel H. and Lucille Marie Uhl Derr and his brother Emmanuel H. Derr Jr. Tom was also preceded in death by his second wife, Etta Mae Uzzell Brown Derr. He leaves behind his and Margarets adopted daughters, Karen T. Derr of Seattle, WA and Nancy Derr Levine of Kansas City; his brother Terrance J. Derr and wife Elizabeth of Kansas City; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews all of whom he loved dearly. The family will have a visitation at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. and a meal following on Tuesday, June 5 2018 at Saint Matthew Apostle Church, 8001 Longview Road, Grandview MO. In lieu of flowers, Tom specifically asked for any memorial contributions to be given to either St. Matthew Apostle Church or the DeLaSalle Alumni Association.
Visitation St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church

Tuesday, June 05, 2018

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

8001 Longview RoadKansas City, MO 64134
Directions Mass of Christian Burial St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church

Tuesday, June 05, 2018

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

8001 Longview RoadKansas City, MO 64134

There will be a luncheon immediately following Mass.
Directions