Derik Lloyd Sturdivant, age 46, of Kendallville, IN passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3, 2024 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN following an illness.  Mr. Sturdivant was born on February 17, 1978 in LaGrange, IN to David Bryan Sturdivant and Renee (Campbell) Sturdivant.  He attended Lakeland High School in LaGrange, IN.  For 16 dedicated years, Derik was employed at Structural Composites in Ligonier, IN as a supervisor.  He absolutely loved racing and everyone knew him as #7 with the hot pink race car.  Derik also was a gym rat, weight lifting enthusiast, and was extremely proud of his 465lb bench press.  Though he was known as a phenomenal racer and his powerful muscular build, he also had a heart of gold, infectious smile, and a wonderful sense of humor that could make anyone chuckle.  Derik was also very proud of recently being saved and accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He was the kind of friend and relative that you could count on and he always showed up to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  Derik's pride and joy were his grandchildren and family.  He valued every precious moment spent with his loved ones and would give the shirt off his back for all of them.  Derik will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and loved ones.

Survivors include: Daughter, Arielle and Jonny Edwards of Avilla, IN. Son, Austin Steffen-Sturdivant and Miranda Russell of Kendallville, IN. Mother, Renee Sturdivant of Rome City, IN. Father, David and Juli Sturdivant of Wolcottville, IN. 9 Grandchildren, Nevaeh, Everleigh,and Lucas Edwards, Grace, Noah, Elijah, Bentley, Kingston, and Harmony Steffen-Sturdivant. Sister, Jessica and Steve Beecroft of Kendallville, IN. Brother, David and Ashley Sturdivant Jr. of Kendallville, IN. Step-sister, Holli Birt of Bristol, IN. Step-brother, Bryce Birt of Bristol, IN. Step-Brother, Ross Birt of Florida Aunt, Deb Godsey of Rome City, IN. Aunt, Sabrina and David Creech of Wolcottville, IN. Aunt, Jackie Thompson of Kendallville, IN. Uncle, Jasper Case of Wolcottville, IN. Uncle, Wade and Deb Sturdivant of LaGrange, IN. Parents of son-in-law, John and Deb Edwards of Rome City, IN.

Derik was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lloyd and Shirley Campbell, grandmother, Nellie Sturdivant, and 2 Aunts; Pauline Ritter and Helen "Auntie" Harwood.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May, 8, 2024 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Bethel Christian Baptist Church, 2838 US-6, Rome City, IN 46701. (Intersection of US-6 and State Road 9.)

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 11:00am at Bethel Christian Baptist Church.

Burial will take place following the funeral service at Orange Cemetery in rural Rome City, IN.

Officiating the services will be Pastor Wade Sturdivant.

Memorial donations may be directed to Fairhaven A Window of Hope and or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Arrangements and care trusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of LaGrange, IN.