Derek J. White

Derek White, 55, of Foristell, Missouri, passed away suddenly on November 12, 2025, from a heart attack. A beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Derek will be remembered for his big personality, sharp wit, and unwavering devotion to his family. 

Born on February 24, 1970, to Vernon White and Regina Sizemore in St. Louis, Missouri. Derek was a devoted son, husband, brother, and ultimately a proud father to his three beautiful daughters. He built his life around what mattered most to him-his wife, Debbie, and their daughters, Shelby, Devyn, and Campbell. To Derek, family wasn’t just important-it was everything. 
God, 1st and foremost was his strength and his guiding light. His faith became his prominent daily walk,when he walked into Generation Church in Portland, TN. He will tell everyone how proud he was of that decision. It continued as he loved his 2Rivers Church family, where his faith continued to grow. 

Derek never met a stranger. Known for his dry sense of humor and his ability to make everyone laugh, he was the life of every gathering, the class clown. His friends and loved ones could always count on him for laughter, good conversation, and perhaps a perfectly grilled meal- maybe over a roaring campfire. 

His family traditions meant everything to him. He loved camping at Huzzah, grilling, cooking, and celebrating holidays-especially Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July-with friends and family. The simple joys of life, shared around a campfire or during a weekend trip, meant the world to him. 

Professionally, Derek was an incredibly hard worker. After changing careers, he excelled at Hytorc, where his dedication and drive earned him recognition as a “Top Contributor.” He often said “I will retire here, if you will let me.” 

Derek is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie White (nee: Paltzik) of Foristell, Missouri, his daughters, Shelby White (Christian Daen), of Columbia, Missouri, Devyn White and Campbell White of Foristell, Missouri; two sisters, Pam Mahaney and Donna Byerly both of Herculaneum, Missouri; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dave and Liz Paltzik of White House, Tennessee; brother-in-law and sister-in-laws, David and Kim Paltzik of Arizona, Pam and Joe Tong of Georgia, Alana and Jeff Anderson of Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his father, Vernon White and mother, Regina White (nee: Sizemore) and brother-in-law, Tom Mahaney. Derek was also a proud Uncle to many. 

Derek, your family and friends will miss you dearly: To the Moon and Back and BACK AGAIN. 

In lieu of flowers: In honor of Derek, memorials may be made to: 2 Rivers Church, in care of Pitman Funeral Home 1545 Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville, Missouri 63385. 

The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville.