Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
Alan G. Derby, 67, of Norwalk, died early Tuesday morning, December 26, 2017, at Firelands Hospital in Sandusky, following health issues complicated by diabetes.
Born Feb. 3, 1950, Al was a 1968 graduate of Norwalk High School, where he played football, and local legend has it he was voted "Toughest Guy at Norwalk High" by his buddies.
Al entered the Army after high school, and served in Vietnam. At the Battle of Hamburger Hill in May of 1969, Al, one of the strongest young men in his battalion, was detailed to carry the wounded down the hill to safety, which he did, saving many lives until being wounded himself. He received the Purple Heart for his valor. Back home, Al worked for many years at the Huron County Humane Society, and then later for the Ohio Job Service, finding work for his fellow veterans, he was a member of the V.F.W. Post 2743, Norwalk, Ohio, the American Legion, Post 41, and the Autobon Society. Al enjoyed so much in life, it's hard to list everything, from old movies and movie stars, to family history, sports, literature, politics, reading and cooking.
He was a true Father Christmas, always laboring over just the perfect gift to give his loved ones. He was a man you could count on in every way.
Al is survived by three brothers, Thomas and Charles of Norwalk, and Robert of Bucyrus, a sister Gail, of Norwalk, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Judge Donald H. and Kathryn Derby, and by his brother, James, in 2016.
Friends may call on Friday, December 29, 2017, in Walker Funeral Home, 98 W. Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio, from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Huron County Humane Society, 246 Woodlawn Avenue, Norwalk, Ohio 44857.
Online condolences may be made by going to http://www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com./
