Charles Lou Derby

Charles was born February 28, 1934 in Ashville, N.Y. to Elvin Morris and Marjorie (Ross) Derby.

Charles served his country along with his brothers Neil and Richard aboard the Naval Destroyer USS Hailey during the Korean Conflict. He and his brothers made national headlines as three members of the same family serving together aboard the same vessel. After an honorable discharge following the war he reenlisted into the U.S. Airforce. Charles was stationed at Westover Mass, where a Four Star General recommended him for OSI training at Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain. He was stationed there, while home on leave he met Frances Glendenning at the Ben Franklin Five and Dime in Randolph. They married on June 16, 1962 and were sent to Kincheloe Air Force Base, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Later they were transferred to Castle A.F. Base in Merced, California where he served what remained of the 24 year Air Force career.

After retirement he continued to serve as a civilian building black boxes for military aircraft. Eventually at his widowed mother’s request he moved his family back to his childhood home in Watt’s Flats, N.Y. He attended Jamestown Community College and was on the Dean’s List every semester. As a gifted artist he held several exhibits at the college and was very successful, selling great many paintings, photographs and sculptures. To remain active he also worked for The Jamestown Post-Journal late in his senior years.

He was a loving father and grandfather and managed to stay young at heart. Besides his wife of almost 60 years, he is survived by two daughters: Theresa (Phillip) Klinginsmith of Chautauqua, N.Y. and Tracie Stack of Orlando, FL; four grandchildren: Tabatha (Nathaniel) Stought of Orlando, FL, Collin Stack of Orlando, FL, Ryan Klinginsmith of Mayville, N.Y. and Kody Klinginsmith of Lakewood, N.Y.; five great-grandchildren: Kye and Kinley Klingensmith of Ashville, N.Y., Lux Cordosi, Livia and Brixlee VanArsdale both of Sugar Grove, PA.

In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by his grandson: Craig Klinginsmith; six siblings; three brothers: Neil (Marie) Derby, Richard Derby and Merlin Derby and three sisters: Catherine Alexander, Nancy (Carl) Westerlund and Barbara Kitchell.

There will be a private burial held at the convenience of the family at Sunset Hill Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Powers, Present & Sixbey Funeral Home, Inc., 316 East Fifth Street, Jamestown, N.Y.

To light a candle or to send condolences to Charles family please visit www.presentsixbeyfuneral .com.