Derek Thebo

Derek Warner Thebo, age 32 of Lowell, passed away September 1, 2021. He was preceded in death by his son, Dylan Walter Thebo; grandparents, Delbert E. Thebo Jr., Don L. Demorest; uncles, Kenney Thebo, Jack Gaskill; cousin, Walt E. Thebo. Derek is survived by his wife, Katlyn Hall Thebo; stepdaughter, Alaina Hall; parents, Walter & Elisabeth Thebo; grandparents, Leona Thebo, Roger & Anajayne (Demorest) Feller; sister, Skye E. (Matt) Lemmen; aunts & uncles, Del (Pam) Thebo, Diana Gaskill, Keith (Jackie) Thebo, Ace (Amy) Thebo, Bonnie Waterman, Becky Demorest, Brenda Demorest, Melinda Feller; father and mother-in-law; Brian & Brenda Hall; special friends, Rusty Schlenk, Bry Johnson, Ty Morrison, and Chris Walker. At age 19, Derek moved to Wyoming and worked at The Honor Farm with the Dept. of Corrections while attending the University of Wyoming. He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Derek went on to work for the Michigan Department of Corrections at IMAX in Ionia for 7 years. He started racing at the age of 13, when he drove his #21 Ford Mustang at Winston Speedway. Derek progressed to modified and then on to his #21 late model. He loved racing on many different dirt tracks and was motivated by a challenge. Derek loved his family and wanted nothing more then to live a life of fulfilling hopes, dreams, and aspirations. His quick wit, integrity, personable demeanor will be missed by those who knew him best. Our regret will always be not having our grandson here to watch him grow and our son who gave up hope to find happiness in this world. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2022.