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Thank you for your support during this difficult time. Please enhance this tribute to Derek Andrew Kass by adding your memories and photos.

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Memories & Candles

“He will be in my heart always, a truly beauty full BEing. Rest in peace brother. ”
1 of 52 | Posted by: Sidney S-Ickness - Little Rock, AR

“Lauren I'm sorry very sorry for you and your daughters loss. Huck IV(my son) wants to tell you that too and John Hays. I was told the service was...Read More »
2 of 52 | Posted by: Huck Gray - Little Rock, AR

“our souls will forever be tied, and for that i am a better person. my big friendly giant, i love you always. ”
3 of 52 | Posted by: em - austin, TX - ‎

“Rest In Peace my friend you will never be forgotten. ”
4 of 52 | Posted by: Chris Cartwright - pooler, GA

“I will always remember that smiling face and pork-pie hat. You will be deeply missed. I know you are at peace. ”
5 of 52 | Posted by: Neil Dillard - Little Rock, AR

“My deepest condolences. Sending strength, love and peace to all of Derek's family and friends. Derek was bright as the sun and as deep as the ocean...Read More »
6 of 52 | Posted by: Wendy Given - Portland, OR

“God Bless. Wish this didn't happen but believe you are in a better place. All the best. Love, Tom ”
7 of 52 | Posted by: Tom Kelly - Little Rock, AR

“My friend, I will miss you always. You will always be remembered as one of the finest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Until we meet...Read More »
8 of 52 | Posted by: Robyn Ritchie-Byars - Ft. Smith

“Sorry I am not there. I am there in my heart. I have a family funeral in Jonesboro at the same time. Love you Friend. Sky is there with Audrey...Read More »
9 of 52 | Posted by: Amy Claire Frazier - Little Rock, AR

“D~Love you always dear friend!! ”
10 of 52 | Posted by: Sarah Willis - littlerock, AR

“The tides ebb and flow, but the sea is always there. Derek has ebbed and flown, but his heart and smile are with us still. ”
11 of 52 | Posted by: LeaVonne Pulley - Little Rock, AR

“My condolences to all those who knew and loved Derek. He was a great man. From the first time I met him, I felt like we were old friends, I will...Read More »
12 of 52 | Posted by: Brandon Markin - Little Rock, AR

“I worked with Derek at Orbea for a little while. Afterward we'd both moved on from there, we'd visit on occasion when I saw him at Rumba. I know...Read More »
13 of 52 | Posted by: Tim - Little Rock, AR

“Derek had a smile as big as Texas and always a kind word! He will be missed at a place we used to gather together!!! Love, Jennifer A. ”
14 of 52 | Posted by: Jennifer Ashmore - Little Rock, AR

“Thank you for your kindness and the best hugs! You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. ”
15 of 52 | Posted by: Kristi Diffee - Little Rock, AR

“He's been my friend since the fifth grade. Shocked that he passed away so soon. ”
16 of 52 | Posted by: Anthony Broaddus - Indianapolis, IN

“Our hearts are heavy for all the family and friend left behind. Prayers go out to all of the people that Derek touched in his young life. ”
17 of 52 | Posted by: Henry and Sandy Tipps - IN

“We are so deeply sadden at the news of Derek passing, Our thoughts and prayers are with Derek's family and friends. Our memories of the events we...Read More »
18 of 52 | Posted by: Jim & Carol McEntee - GA - Friend

“We will miss you Derek! Derek truly was the nicest guy we ever met! We are praying and thinking of you Lauren and Audrey! Our deepest...Read More »
19 of 52 | Posted by: Allison and Jamie Hoffman - AR

“I love you. ”
20 of 52 | Posted by: Feather Raymond - Little Rock , AR

“Although I did not have the privilege of being able to call him my friend, I will never forget the many kindnesses he showed me. When I was at my...Read More »
21 of 52 | Posted by: Dana Caputa - Hot Springs, AR

“you saved my life Derek, I'll never forget you. I love you brother. ”
22 of 52 | Posted by: Brandon King - San Marcos, TX

“In remembrance, Chris and Tracy Whitaker... ”
23 of 52 | Posted by: Tracy - Little Rock , AR - friend

“Derek, My fondest childhood memories always include you. I'll love you always. ”
24 of 52 | Posted by: Jennifer Sheckles - Avon, IN

“Blessings on you, such a dear, kind soul. May light perpetual shine upon you, and give you peace.. ”
25 of 52 | Posted by: Jill Cox - Little Rock, AR

“one of the kindest, gentlemen I have had the pleasure to call friend. He looked into your eyes like you were the only other person in the world. He...Read More »
26 of 52 | Posted by: Marnie Bell-Ferguson - decatur, GA

“My heart goes out to all of Dereks famly and friends!! I know we all loved him so much and I truly wish all our love could have kept him here....Read More »
27 of 52 | Posted by: Rachel Holladay - Coffman - AR

“May God hold Derek in His everlasting arms and surround the family with peace and omfort. Our prayers are with you. Way and Marybeth Kidd ”
28 of 52 | Posted by: Way and Marybeth Kidd - Atlanta, GA

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Derek. He was so kind, and what a heart warming smile! My wish for peace goes out to his family and close...Read More »
29 of 52 | Posted by: Tanya Owen-Floyd - Little Rock, AR

“No words. Sorry Derek, you were such a sweet and inviting soul. May you be at peace wherever you are. Blessing to Audrey and may she find comfort in...Read More »
30 of 52 | Posted by: KiKi - Little Rock, AR - Friends

“My prayers go out to everyone involved. Audrey especially. I love you Derek and I miss you. ”
31 of 52 | Posted by: Jordan Skye Davis - Little Rock, AR

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this special man. He will be missed. Audrey is a special soul, in great part due to the...Read More »
32 of 52 | Posted by: Stephanie Willbanks Harris - AR

“Don't know what to say...seriously tragic. God Bless and Hold him. ”
33 of 52 | Posted by: Pamela Cate Wood - Rogers, AR

“You were such a great spirit! You always had a beautiful smile and a great bear hug when I saw you in the D! I will truly miss that! And of course...Read More »
34 of 52 | Posted by: Karen Shepherd - Little Rock, AR

“As the days begin to go by, this is not getting any easier. My thoughts are just as much with all of the friends and family of Derek as they are...Read More »
35 of 52 | Posted by: Miles Herndon - Raleigh , NC

“I wish your family strength in the coming years. Yours is a light which will continue to shine, despite your absence. I was really excited about...Read More »
36 of 52 | Posted by: Heather Canady-van der Stelt - AR

“God speed! You will be missed terribly! Everyone is going to miss your big hugs loving genuine friendship and you just being you. Thanks for touching...Read More »
37 of 52 | Posted by: Sherry Presley - HS, AR - Friend

“Our unexpected meetings always cause a shared laugh, I will miss those dearly. I hope you found peace my friend. You will be missed. I love you. ”
38 of 52 | Posted by: eddie phillips - friend

“Thoughts and prayers for all... ”
39 of 52 | Posted by: Ashley Boshears - Little Rock, AR

“I Love You Brother .Gonna miss you !!!! ”
40 of 52 | Posted by: Gregg Presley - Hot Springs, AR

“You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to your friends and family ”
41 of 52 | Posted by: Barry Lewis - Little Rock, AR

“I LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS...BIG WONDERFUL MANLY MAN, HOW COULD YOU LEAVE BEFORE IT IS OVER...I SAW YOU CARRYING US OUT LIKE A FIREMAN AT THE END."A...Read More »
42 of 52 | Posted by: JENNIFER SHAW - LITTLE ROCK, AR

“so sorry for your loss. Derek was one cool stand out, BEST, bear huggin fool!He is loved by many and will be missed greatly. My heart and positive...Read More »
43 of 52 | Posted by: kaylan - little rock, AR

“My deepest sympathies to all the family and friends. ”
44 of 52 | Posted by: Tracy Morgan - North Little Rock, AR

“To say I completely understand your loss is not true. But I understand the pain of losing a son and this evening I am grieving for all of you and...Read More »
45 of 52 | Posted by: Candy West - Indianapolis, IN

“So terribly sorry for your loss. Know that my prayers are with you and your family during this trying time. Know that he is not really gone because...Read More »
46 of 52 | Posted by: Rosalind Sakalares - Brownsburg, IN

“prayers ”
47 of 52 | Posted by: Zibilla Wolfe - Little Rock, AR

“Derek was a good friend. One night when he was a bartender at Whitewater Tavern I was mistaken for an employee by a stranger who accompanied Julie...Read More »
48 of 52 | Posted by: Ed Gray - Little Rock, AR

“Rest now sweet friend. I will see you on the other side. Love you always, SherSher ”
49 of 52 | Posted by: SherSher Pettit - Little Rock, AR

“I will not be able to attend the service but I am deeply sorry for the loss of Derek. He was a guy that would do anything for you if you asked and I...Read More »
50 of 52 | Posted by: Issac Zoma - Littlerock , AR

“Derek was loved by so many people. Anyone who ever knew him never forgot him. I wish he had realized how much he was loved and what an impact he made...Read More »
51 of 52 | Posted by: Marsha Freeman - Jonesboro, AR

“I pray that GOD will keep you all as you grieve the loss of Derrick. I had the pleasure to work with Derrick this summer and he was really fun to...Read More »
52 of 52 | Posted by: onna clark - little rock , AR


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Derek Andrew Kass died Wednesday morning, October 12, at his home in Little Rock. He was 40 years old.Derek was born August 3, 1971 in Indianapolis, Indiana but considered Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived from 1987 to 1999, his hometown. He made Little Rock his home in 1999.

He is survived by daughter Audrey Virginia Kass and her mother, Lauren McCants. He is also survived by his mother, Gloria Boone (Jim Boone), father Tom Kass (Paula Kass), stepfather Mike Saligoe, brothers Zachary Saligoe (Laura Latour), David Ward (Lori Ward), sister Tamara Smith (Adam Smith), and in-laws John W. Barron and Jeanie Barron.Derek is also survived by nieces Breianna Ward, Sydney Kerr, nephews David Ward and Ben Wymer, grandmother Virginia Lanning (Don Lanning), uncle Ed Sholar (Tina Mullen), aunts Theresa Denman (Robert Denman), Terri Chandler (Roy Chandler), and cousins Stacey Powell and Jennifer Sheckles. He is predeceased by his grandfather Edgar Sholar.

Derek made a profound and permanent impact on all those who had the honor and privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered as the cool guy in the steel-toed shoes and 501's, with his daughter on his shoulders and surrounded by people who truly loved him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 15, 3:00 pm, at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth, with Memorial Service to follow at 4:00.

In lieu of flowers, an education fund has been established at Regions Bank in the name of Audrey Virginia Kass.