Lem Daniel Derrington

Our rock and family patriarch, Lem Daniel Derrington, transitioned from his life with us, to his Heavenly home on August 11, 2025.  He was born on August 19, 1939 to Mary Sue Sherman and Ike Hilton Derrington, in Cherokee County, Texas.

Services are Thursday, August 14, at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home, Rusk.  Visitation from 10am to 11am, service following at 11am, with Reverends Harold Dement and Robin Parsons.  Masonic and Military services at graveside, Rusk Cedar Hill Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Blake Derrington, Justin Derrington, Keith Norton, Ethan Norton, Scott Benefield, and Edward Martin.

Lem and Linda Norton met and married as teenagers, just celebrating 67 years as partners growing old together. 

He grew up knowing that to succeed in life, you had to be strong willed, honest, and work hard.

Lem had a wealth of knowledge in numerous professions, including offshore pipeline with Brown and Root, building and dirt construction, cattleman and dairy farming, and was credited for sharing his knowledge and work ethics with so many. If you were speaking of him, a common response would be "I learned so much from Lem.”

He was always ready to help in any capacity. He served as president of the Board at Gallatin Water Supply, a Board member at Craft-Turney Water Supply, Mayor for the City of Gallatin, Gallatin Neighborhood Crime Watch, Gallatin VFD, and ARMY National Guard.  He was a 50-year member of Euclid Masonic Lodge #45, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, and Shriner.

Lem and family enjoyed a lifetime of hunting and making lifelong friends beginning in Sonora, to Pearsall, to the Bagley Hunting Club, and others.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Derrington.  Left to cherish treasured memories are his wife, Linda, and sons Kenny and fiancé, Gaye, and Kelly.  Those who lovingly called him “Pot”: grandchildren and families; Amy and Scott Benefield, Keith and Samantha Norton, son Ethan Norton and AJ, daughter Kennzie and Micah Givens; daughters Ella Norton, Dallas Bouman; Blake and Priscilla Derrington, children Alena, Mallory, Conner, Hailey; Tara Derrington and Eddie Martin, sons Trey and Ethan; Justin and Brandy Derrington and son Lincoln.

Our family truly appreciates Lem's caring oncology team of Dr. Sasha Davis, as well as Drs. Sanford, Proctor and Weiner: also, the team from Heart to Heart Hospice, especially his nurse and friend, Courtney Holman, who went far and above with her loving touch!

Pot, until we meet up yonder, we're checking out.

Linda D.