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Obituary for Derrick Lee McCormick
Derrick Lee McCormick, 24, of Chrisman was a beautiful soul who left this world behind much too soon on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Derrick had an infectious smile that would light up any room he walked into and a laugh that was simply contagious. He had a kind heart for people who came into his life, always generous with his warmth and hugs. Derrick had a fierce love for his family and was a gracious champion of game nights. He was fun-loving, compassionate and talented. He leaves behind a light that will continue to burn bright inside all that knew him. Derrick was born Feb. 7, 1994, in Terre Haute, Ind., to Brian McCormick and Lisa (Yaw) McCormick. Derrick grew up in Chrisman, Ill., where he completed kindergarten through his junior year. He graduated from Terre Haute North High School in 2012. He then attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., for one year before heading closer to home. Derrick was well-known in the Chrisman area for his athletic ability and talent, as well as his wit and humor. He excelled in baseball, basketball, track, cross country, golf and football. He was a key player in taking the Chrisman Cardinals to the 2011 1A IHSA Basketball Super Sectional and led in team assists and steals that year. As a running back for the Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Chrisman Buffaloes, Derrick thrived as offensive MVP, All-Conference running back, All-County running back and defensive back. He also earned a place on the 2011 Commercial-News All-Area First Team. In the spring of 2011 Derrick broke a 40-year-old Vermillion County record in long jump, clearing 22-feet and ¾ inches. Teammates and opponents counted on Derrick’s competitiveness. While living in Champaign from 2013 to 2018 Derrick made numerous friends working at Guido’s Bar and Grill and Jimmy Johns. Many knew Derrick as an athlete, but he was also an artist and a foodie, spending time drawing, writing short stories and perfecting recipes. He was an avid fan of anime and shows such as Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Vikings. When Derrick was into something, he was all in. Derrick recently moved back to Chrisman and was happy and grateful to reconnect with his childhood and hometown friends, who describe him as a loyal and trusted friend. Derrick is survived by his parents, Lisa McCormick of Chrisman, and Brian (Rose) McCormick of Terre Haute; sisters Amber McCormick of Lake Worth, Fla., and Alicia “Tai” McCormick of Indianapolis; grandparents Betty “Granny” Campbell of Terre Haute, Billie McCormick of Champaign, and Larry and Carole Yaw of Chrisman; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Willie Campbell. Visitation is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. CDT Sunday, Aug. 12., at the Chrisman Christian Church, 217 N. Illinois St., Chrisman. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. CDT Monday, Aug. 13, with visitation one hour prior, at the Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Edgar County Homeless Organization in Paris, Ill.
