Obituary - Derek L. Wolery

Derek L. Wolery, 43, a free spirit, wanderer, nomad, left this mortal world on April 2, 2024.

A memorial service will be held at Croxford Funeral Home today, April 12, 2024, at 3 p.m. at 1307 Central Ave. in Great Falls. If you know Derek, you know he is irritated that this much has been done for him in his passing.

Derek was born June 30th, 1980, in Havre, Montana, to Eileen Grimes. He raised by his mother and father, Leroy and Marilyn Wolery, on a farm in Gildford, MT. He grew up aside his two brothers, Craig and Darwin.

After finishing school, Derek married his first love, Anita Russette. Not long after their oldest child, James was born, Derek joined the Army to support his young family. A couple of years later came Trinity, Derek’s baby girl.

As we all know, September 11th occurred, so with two young children, Derek was deployed for his first of two combat tours in Afghanistan. He proudly served our country for nine years, and carried his battle wounds for the rest of his life.

The rest of Derek’s story is hard to write; there are not enough words to express how much he is missed.

Derek was creative and loved creating things. He would find a use for nearly anything. He adored the outdoors, especially Glacier National Park. He loved the rain and spending time near water. Derek was so dearly loved. He was unique and eccentric, a man that went by the beat of his own drum. Anyone who took the time to know him loved him.

Derek was a man who was misunderstood and judged, yet that was never his loss. He showed love even to those who judged him. He loved so many people that it is difficult to name them all. He had so many friends all over the world. Derek managed to keep up with a lot of these friends, keeping in touch with almost all of them.

Derek held many people close to his heart, and married three times, he would want to acknowledge his time spent his Desiree. Derek also had a special friend, Braeden, once a lover, and always a close friend. Braeden was always there for Derek in his most difficult times. Things weren’t aways rainbows and sunshine; they never were with Derek.

The years before Derek’s passing were spent loving Tabi and her daughter, Samarra. Derek has many loves in life, but very few who knew how to love him back the way he needed. Tabi is one of the rare ones who did.

Derek was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Wolery and biological mother, Eileen Grimes. Derek is now with Eileen, and no longer in pain.

Derek is survived by his beautiful daughter, Trinity; his son and carbon copy, James (Sam); mother, Marilyn; brothers, Craig and Darwin; his first love and lifelong friend, Anita; girlfriend, Tabi and her daughter, Samarra; and his first, soon to be born, grandson; as well as so many more people who loved him unconditionally.

To share condolences, please visit https://www.croxfordfuneralhome.com .