Derrick C. Filkins, 88, Springfield, MO passed away at 11:30 p.m. on January 22, 2012 in Cox Medical Center. Words are not adequate for expressing the impact of his life, yet they can provide a framework for appreciation of a life well lived. Born February 2, 1923, Derrick survived his childhood days through the depression in his hometown of De Soto, MO. When WWII came he and four of his five brothers served our great country. He was a part of the Normandy Invasion and fought in several major battles including the Battle of the Bulge, where he was captured and remained a P.O.W. until the end of the war. As a medic he assisted in saving the lives of many soldiers who returned back to their families in the USA. Home from the war he married a beautiful woman named Alta Mae Berry. Only six months into marriage they became parents when his nephew Gene Moses came to live with them. After having two children, Denise (Meyer) and Derrick L., Alta and Derrick moved to Springfield, MO and lived there for the rest of their lives. In 1964 they helped start Walnut Lawn Church of God where they raised their family in the Christian faith and cultivated enduring friendships. His gleefulness and kindness were unbounded. He never knew a stranger. This attitude toward life continued when he moved to Lakewood Assisted Living in March 2011. For many years he worked hauling various kinds of freight all over the U. S. After retiring from driving he went to work for his long time friends Ken and Jane Meyer at KTXR. There he worked with Dale Blankenship doing whatever needed to be done at radio and television stations. He enjoyed this work and most importantly the friendships he developed there endured until the day he passed away. Derrick was preceded in death by Alta Mae his wife of 62 years, his parents Charles and Minerva, his brothers Julius, Frank, Lloyd, Lyle and George and sisters Irene, Laure Jane, Ruby, and Doris. Derrick is survived by his children Denise (Jim) Meyer and Derrick L. (Carol), grandchildren James (Melanie) Meyer and Jeremy (Shield) Meyer, and great grandchildren Chandler and Wyatt Meyer; nephew Gene (Margie) Moses, grand niece Cyndi Moses, and great grand niece Carrie Smetzer. The family is grateful for the excellent and loving care he received by the staffs of Lakewood and Cox. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2012 in the Brentwood Chapel at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, MO 65804, where the family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Walnut Lawn Church of God, 554 West Walnut Lawn, Springfield, MO 65807 or Ozarks Honor Flight, PO Box 3500, Springfield, MO 65808.