Our strong, gentle, courageous, feisty, loving, humble, generous Woody left this world at noon on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at 86 years young. He was resting peacefully at home with family. Derwood was Daddy and Papa Woody to his family and Woody to scores of neighbors, friends, and his children's friends. As he should have been, Daddy was our hero.

Derwood Myrick was born January 3, 1937, in Big Spring, Texas to Jacob B. Myrick and Velma Webb Myrick. Derwood grew up in the Big Spring area and has family in the area to this day. Derwood met Patricia Hinson, his life-long love in Big Spring. The pair met at about 13 years of age and shared many adventures with a big group of family and friends. A favorite story is the time they were all kicked out of Carlsbad Caverns for sleeping in their cars at the park. On an early date Derwood drove to pick up Pat sitting on stacks of telephone books. This was the generation that dragged main and worked on cars with friends. Woody played several instruments including trombone, guitar, ukulele, dobro and steel guitar. He had a beautiful singing voice and loved all kinds of music. Steel guitar was his favorite and his family loved to hear Woody making music. If you want to listen in, look up Steel Guitars of the Grand Ol Opry on Apple Music.

Derwood served in the US Air Force as a jet engine mechanic in Alaska during the early 1960s. His stories related to Soviet airspace were always entertaining. He could tell you about all of the planes and their many parts. After Pat graduated Texas Woman's University and Derwood completed his Air Force service, Patricia accepted Derwood's proposal and the pair were engaged February 14, 1962, after a courtship of more than ten years. Rumor has it Derwood proposed several times before his "Matricia" said yes. Derwood and Pat were wed February 21, 1962, and made Springfield, Missouri their home. The couple raised their family in the community near Oak Grove Park sharing many fond memories with families in the neighborhood. In recent years, the couple moved and immediately surrounded themselves with back-fence neighbors and wonderful new friends. Derwood worked in construction in Springfield his entire career. He built houses for many years before moving into roofing and siding. Derwood provided a home for Pat's parents in Morrisville, MO with acreage for cattle—fulfilling Grandad Hinson's longtime dream. Woody started Myrick Roofing and Siding Company with a Folgers Coffee can full of change. Woody's blue El Camino and Myrick Roofing van were easily recognizable around town. Derwood labored through hot and cold to provide for his family, a gift beyond measure. Woody had the reputation of doing right by people—once gathering shingles after a storm to repair a woman's roof. Before Woody's retirement, Myrick Roofing was recognized by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce as a 40-year-old small business.

Woody was known to his friends and family as an avid fisherman. The areas near Kimberling City and Indian Point on Table Rock were his stomping grounds. He recently talked through his entire fishing route from memory. Complete with water depths, tree hazards, shallow points, and landmarks. He hadn't been able to see that water clearly in years but knew where the boat was by the feel of the lake. Woody shared this passion with several treasured friends, his children and grandchildren.

Derwood was a man of few words, so when he spoke, you listened. His words of love and wisdom are a treasure to his family and friends. Woody hated "a plastic rub on"—anyone who pretended to be something other than their true self or somehow better than others. He provided work and even a bed if needed to men needing a fresh start. Woody raised his family in church and served in many ways through the years. Woody loved the Lord and was confident in his faith. Derwood's quiet faith was a blessing to all who knew him. We know the moment he drew his last earthly breath he was present with the Father. Derwood's greatest gift to his family was his steadfast, unfailing, and transparent love for his "Matricia." His devotion and unconditional love were clear to all. Even in the last few days he asked for smooches from his great love.

Derwood was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob B. and Velma Myrick, his brother Gordon Myrick, twin sisters Vada Tucker and Zada Reese, and half-brother Eddie Ray Myrick.

Derwood is survived by his beloved bride of 61 years, Patricia Hinson Myrick of Springfield, Missouri; children, Kim Myrick Hinkle (Danny) of Clarksville, AR, Justin Myrick of Springfield, Miranda Myrick of Springfield, and Valorie Myrick Jones (Chris) of Rogers, AR. Tracy Myrick of San Antonio, TX also survives Derwood. Woody is survived by 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild with another tiny blessing on the way. Grandchildren are Abby Packingham, Logan Hinkle (Jessica), Elise Myrick, Kaelyn Myrick, Cole Packingham (Christina), Nate Derwood Hinkle, XiaMei Myrick, Camryn Hinkle, Rylee Myrick and great grandson Ryker Hinkle. Derwood is survived by his sister, Kay Sue Gordon of Plattsburg, New York, sister-in-law, Pat Myrick of Big Spring, TX, and twin brothers-in-law, Bernon "Nick" Hinson of Lafayette, LA, and Vernon "Fat" Hinson of Westego, LA. Derwood is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends he counted as family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Rescue One of Springfield. https://rescueonespringfield.com/donate/ In accordance with Woody's wishes, a family service will be held at Table Rock Lake in the future.