Derek Douglas Walter, 23 of East Helena, MT passed away as a result of a tragic car accident on the morning of January 23, 2022.
Derek was born 12 weeks premature in Great Falls, MT on June 6, 1998, to Stephen Walter and Jolean Crider. Derek fought to stay alive from the moment he was born and fought like hell until his last breath.
Derek attended school in both Washington State and at Helena High School. During high school Derek attended and graduated from the Montana Youth Challenge Academy in Dillon, MT.
After high school Derek went on to work various mechanic and construction jobs. Derek had the passion and desire to learn, disassemble and build just about anything. However, not the attention span to finish any job at hand. (SQUIRREL!!!)
As a youth Derek participated in karate, soccer, basketball, football & baseball. Other hobbies of Derek all pertained to his love for the outdoors and anything with four wheels. This included family hunting, fishing, and camping trips as well as numerous trips to the sprint car races. His love as a child continued into his adult life, spending countless hours in the mountains around a bonfire or 4x4ing with friends.
His contagious smile and laugh would light up any room. Derek was always willing to lend a helping hand no matter the job. He would give the shirt off his back to help others in need.
Derek is survived by his father, Stephen Walter, his mother, Jolean & stepfather Joey Crider, stepmother, Meghan & David Cordova, brothers, Jacob & Caleb Crider and sister, Delanie Walter. Grandparents, Pam Worster, Cindy & Dave Young, Steve Gray and Jim & Karen Crider. Aunts, Stephanie Walter, Nettie Thompson, Kim Ring (Matt Ehlke), Shannon Worster, Jenny and Steve Crider, Makayla Hill and Molly Markham and his Uncle, Russ Ring. Cousins, Andrew, Brendan and Kelci Crider, Coupland Worster, Kylee, Madison, Allison, Nevaeh, Summer, and Rylie Ring.
Derek is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather John Worster and paternal grandparents Ed Walter & Debbie Walter.
Celebration of Derek’s life will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home located at 3750 N. Montana Avenue, Helena, MT at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 29, 2022. Burial will take place following the service at St. Ann’s Cemetery located at 3600 E. Old Highway 12 in East Helena, MT. Please join the family for a reception following the burial at Eagles 4040 located at 14 W. Main Street in East Helena, MT.
The family would like to thank the many friends and family for the outpouring of support, love, prayers and well wishes to help us all through this very difficult time.
The family would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff from St. Pete’s Health for the exceptional care Derek received in his final hours.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 am
Saturday January 29, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Service
Saturday January 29, 2022
St. Ann's Cemetery
3600 E. Old Highway 12
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday January 29, 2022
Eagles 4040
14 W. Main Street
East Helnena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 am
Saturday January 29, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Service
Saturday January 29, 2022
St. Ann's Cemetery
3600 E. Old Highway 12
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday January 29, 2022
Eagles 4040
14 W. Main Street
East Helnena, Montana 59635
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Ashley rose brevoort says
Derek you were one amazing man so many loved and cared about you . wish we could have had more time with you hear on earth , you were taken way to soon from us and all we have are the memories you have left behind. Lots of broken and shattered hearts down here , please walk beside those that loved and needed you the very most .. We will see you one day again .
Josh Collins says
Derek you weren’t only a friend but a big brother to many. You made so many amazing memories that will never be forgotten. You were loved and cared for by so many. You were taken to soon and I will miss every drive, bonfire, and stupid thing we’ve done together. I miss you greatly. This isn’t goodbye my friend it’s until we meet again.
Angel Brown says
I remember Derek when he was younger; we all went swimming together in Bozeman my daughter was so young she also oast away from meningitis. I remember Derek so caring and respectful it was a tender moment I’ve never forgotten as her life was also cut to short. I always remember your dad telling me how excited he was to see you whenever you was away. Years and years I remember Steve talking about how he missed his son and couldn’t wait to see him! Your dad loves you so very very much! I remember your sister when she was around 3 absolutely beautiful it brought back so many memories. I will be praying so very hard for you 😞. Nothing is worst than having to lay your child to rest; but we must hold tight for they’re in the kingdom and soon we will be with them all again ❤ 🙏🏼 Amen.
Ron weber says
Steve and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are all for you…
michelle Lingenfelter says
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. May you find peace in memories of him. My heart is with you.
Jacqui Simonson says
Condolences to Steve, Stephanie, & Nettie along with the rest of Derek’ family and all his many friends. Gone way too soon. Although I did not personally know Derek, I know his family and that to me says enough. I hope you guys hold tight to memories and the love you all shared with him, and I pray for understanding and healing in your hearts.
Decembre Pinkerton says
Derek you were the light in the room all the time, even when you were mad. You always were there to help your boys with anything they needed. Always the shoulder to cry on for your girls and playing saviour anytime we needed something. I will forever remember the day we met and all the memories afterwards. Your smile lit up the room Everytime and your laugh was so contagious. We love you so much we will never forget you. Thank you for everything and my you rest in paradise. We will see you on the other side of those golden gates one day until then watch over us please.
Bruce and Marty Masiak says
Prayers to all the family and friends. Steve, you are the one we know and so sorry for your loss. Angels to surround you all at this time.
Lance Heppner says
Steve and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. There are no right words to erase the pain you feel. Please know that your family is in our hearts and prayers.
Paul and Dawn Brass says
Steve and family, Paul Brass and Dawn are so sorry you lost him so soon. We are sending healing thoughts to all of you.