Derek James Neymeyer, 49

Derek James Neymeyer, age 49 of Azle, Texas, formerly of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Robert and Nancy (Rahn) Neymeyer on December 15, 1973, in Alexandria, Virginia. Derek spent the first years of his life in Castries, St. Lucia. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1992. After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 1996, Derek commissioned into the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant. 

On May 21, 1999, Derek was united in marriage with Bonnie Limberg in Corpus Christi, Texas. Shortly after, Derek earned his Wings of Gold. Over the years, Derek served in several KC-130 squadrons across the globe. During his military career he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.  

After 20 years of faithful service, Derek retired as a Major from the United States Marine Corps and transitioned to a flying career with Southwest Airlines. For his unwavering service to our country, Derek’s personal awards include, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (with 2 stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal (with 1 star). Derek continued his support for the military aviation community as a member of the Marine Corps Air Transport Association, Irreverent Warriors, and volunteered as the DFW Area Coordinator for the Wingman Foundation while continuously supporting numerous other wounded warrior organizations and veterans in need.

Derek will be joyously remembered as a man able to pursue his dream and passion for flying, a dream that started with his Fisher Price airplane, and allowed him to travel all over the world. In his spare time, he enjoyed wood working, gardening, and especially loved spending time with his wife and family. Derek had a heart for service, his family, and his Marines and was a strong force in his family and community.  

Derek passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 31, 2022. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence Neymeyer, Lorraine Neymeyer, Theresa Neymeyer, Ed Rahn and Alma Rahn; an infant nephew; and several aunts and uncles.

Derek is survived by his parents, Bob and Nancy Neymeyer; his loving wife of 23 years, Bonnie; four children, Bethany (Cristian) Herrera of Fort Worth, Texas, Taylor (Lauren) Neymeyer of College Station, Texas, Emily Neymeyer of College Station, Texas, and Timothy Neymeyer of Fort Worth, Texas; grandson, Leo Herrera; siblings, Sara (TJ) Eisenberg of Iowa City, Iowa and Joe (Tracy) Neymeyer of Parkersburg, Iowa; eight nieces and nephews, Sean Idle, Eric Idle, Jacob Eisenberg, Tate Neymeyer, Adria Neymeyer, Ellie Eisenberg and Troy Neymeyer. 

In addition to his many friends, the family would like to thank Southwest Airlines for their incredible support, and for transporting Derek home to his final resting place. He has “flown West” to that place of peace and rest.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Parkersburg Veterans Memorial Building in Parkersburg.  Pastor Steve Sandfort of The Edge Church in Azle, Texas, officiated the service.  Organist was Amy Truax, and she accompanied the attendees as they sang “Amazing Grace”, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”,  “It Is Well with My Soul” and “Before the Throne of God Above”.  Burial was held at Pleasant View Cemetery in Aplington.

Visitation was held before the service from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Parkersburg Veterans Memorial Building.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Irreverent Warriors, the Wingman Foundation, or the family.  Redman Funeral & Cremation Services, Parkersburg Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com