Derrick Richard Wozniak, 34 claimed victory over cancer and was restored to eternal life with Jesus on Thursday, April 27, 2017.  A warrior in life, a conqueror in death; Derrick found strength, hope and peace through his firm belief in the promises of God.

Derrick was born in Springville, New York on April 6, 1983. He grew up and spent much of his adult life in Sarasota, Florida before settling down in Danville, Indiana.

Derrick accomplished much in his life. A skilled craftsman, he took great pride in his work in the construction industry. Derrick stood out among his colleagues for his dedication to high quality workmanship.  Education was important to Derrick as well. Despite battling cancer and multiple brain surgeries, in 2013 Derrick graduated salutatorian with an Associate degree in Information Technology.

In 2014, Derrick made the most important decision of his life when he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Derrick followed Jesus into baptism as well, and took the plunge in the Gulf of Mexico.

Derrick’s love and obedience for his Lord brought him to Indianapolis where he met his wife Tracey while answering a kingdom calling to disciple the lost and forgotten children of God. Despite biweekly chemotherapy treatments, Derrick spent much of his weekends knocking on low-income apartment doors to invite kids to church. He played basketball and video games with the kids, went roller skating with them, provided an example of faith in adversity and most importantly, he showed them love when much of the world had not.

Derrick married his best friend and fellow parishioner, Tracey on September 17, 2016 in Avon, Indiana. He exclaimed that it was undoubtedly the best day of his life. Derrick loved and cared for his three children by marriage with the heart of a devoted father. He spent many evenings helping his daughter Brenya with her math homework and reading bible stories to his son Scout. He spoke the language of gaming and fantasy fiction with his oldest son Pace in a way that only the two could understand.

Derrick greatly enjoyed traveling and exploring the great outdoors. He could often be found 4-wheeling, horseback riding or adventuring through many state parks. Derrick was an excellent master of the grill and well known for his skill at smoking delicious meals. Arguably his greatest leisure ability, Derrick was an impressive woodworker. Among his best pieces were a large cross and a picnic table, both made while undergoing chemotherapy.

Derrick is survived by his newlywed wife Tracey, three children; Pace Schmutte, Brenya Schmutte and Scout Schmutte; mother Janice Wozniak; father Alan Hopkins; brother Darren (Krystal) Vedder; sister Jennifer Vedder; 3 nieces, 2 nephews and life-long friend Mike Ray.

Visitation will take place Thursday, May 4 from 6-8 pm and Friday, May 5 from 2-3pm with Celebration of Life service to follow at 3pm at Kingsway Christian Church located at 7981 E County Road 100 N, Avon, Indiana 46123 (Colorful attire, no black please). Arrangements entrusted to Kingsway Christian Church (Yellow was Derrick’s favorite)