Derek McEvers

Derek Edward McEvers, 80, of Grayling went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 21, 2015. He died peacefully following a long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Derek was born on April 8, 1935 in Grayling, Michigan to Harry and Josie (Worthey) McEvers. He graduated from Grayling High School in 1953, and later earned his Mortuary of Science Degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Derek married his high school sweetheart, Denise Ann Sorenson on July 21, 1956, and enjoyed 56 years of marriage with the love of his life. Together, they owned and operated Sorenson Funeral Home for many years before they sold the business and retired in 1999. After his retirement, he remained an integral part of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Worker Statue program; this statue was developed by Chapter #129 of Grayling, Michigan in 1995. Today, the CCC Worker Statues continue to be sold throughout the United States. These statues will forever hold a special place in his heart. Derek spent the majority of his life in Grayling, and truly loved being a part of the community. He enjoyed serving the City of Grayling as Mayor, was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was a vital part of the Grayling Little League program. He remained passionate about politics and baseball throughout his life. Derek was a kind, caring and compassionate man, and will be sadly missed by his children, grandchildren and family. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Daniel) Heidenga of Wyoming, Michigan; son, Jason McEvers of Durand, Michigan; grandchildren, Matthew Heidenga, Caitlyn Heidenga, Dannielle McEvers and Tyler McEvers; Jason's fiancée, Stacie and her children, Randall and Shania of Durand, Michigan; brother, George (Rita) McEvers of Grayling, Michigan; sister, Patti Kozminski of Walker, Michigan; and several nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Denise Sorenson McEvers; parents, Harry and Josie McEvers; granddaughter, Emily Ann Heidenga; brother, Michael McEvers; nephew, Scott McEvers; and brother-in-law, Robert Kozminski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 11:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grayling, where he will repose one hour prior to Mass. The family will receive visitors Tuesday from 1:00-4:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm at the Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home, 1108 W. North Down River Road. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Grayling Little League, P.O. Box 130, Grayling, MI 49738 or CCC Legacy, P.O. Box 341, Edinburg, VA 22824. Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood.com A special thank you for the compassionate and loving care Derek received from the staff of American House (formally Oak Crest) of Jenison, Michigan and Spectrum Health Hospice of Grand Rapids, Michigan. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Derek McEvers, please visit our flower store.