Richard "Dickie" Derrow

Richard “Dickie” P. Derrow, 91, of Waynesboro, VA, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 5, 2023 in Staunton, VA. He was born on August 25, 1932 in Harrisonburg, VA to the late Preston I. Derrow and Primrose F. (Wenger) Derrow.

Dickie attended Harrisonburg High School prior to enlisting in the United States Army at the age of 17. He was deployed to Korea where he was wounded before the age of 18. Upon release from the hospital, he returned to the front lines engaging in many battles. During one of those battles, he along with two soldiers were captured and transported to a Prisoner of War Camp where he remained for 32 months before his release. The rest of his platoon did not survive the battle.

On June 18, 1956, he married the love of his life, Esther L. Davis. Together they had three children: Desiree D. Tomlin, Terree F. Rinaca, and Richard P. Derrow, Jr. Dickie’s wife and son preceded him in death.

He was employed by Sperry Marine Systems Division in Charlottesville, VA, with 33 1/3 years of service as an electronic technician. Encouraged by his employer, he attended classes at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Piedmont Community College along with University of Virginia to advance to the position of Senior Electronic Technician enabling him to do some traveling with his job to Hawaii, Florida, and New York.

During his lifetime, he participated in many activities with his family and friends. Along with his brother in law, Richard A. Holsinger(deceased), they would carry out a weekend camping fishing trip for the boys, family camping trips on weekends with extended family and always took his girls on vacation to a destination they all would agree upon.

His favorite pass time was bowling- from Duckpins to Tenpins, you could always find him in a bowling alley. As a sanctioned bowler his highest achievement was 298 game and some awesome series too. He was in his “Happy Place” while on the lanes, making friends with those who enjoyed a good game of bowling and clean fun.

He will be missed by his daughters, Desiree D. Tomlin and her husband, D.W. and Terree F. Rinaca and her husband, Derrell; granddaughters: Alicia Midkiff, Christy Huffman and her husband, Doug; great granddaughter, Addison N. Midkiff and Tessa R. Midkiff; sister, Virginia D. Holsinger of Harrisonburg, VA: along with a numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 6pm until 8pm on Monday, October 9, 2023 at Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, 619 Lifecore Dr., Fishersville, VA 22939.

A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 2pm on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Augusta Memorial Park in Waynesboro.

Share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.