Patsy Derr, Past RI Regional Foundation Coordinator, Has Passed Away

Posted by Susan C. Howe PDG 
on Oct 20, 2012
 

I am sorry to report that Patsy Derr, dear friend to so many of us, passed away October 17. Patsy was one of the Good Ones, that only had the best to say about each of us.  Funeral services were held Killeen, Texas with internment in Altus, Oklahoma.  Patsy was named Rotarian of the Year for 1996 and, in 1997, was named to the District 5870 Roll of Fame.  On July 1, 2000 Patsy became the 86th District Governor of Rotary District 5870, the first woman to ever hold this position.  In-lieu of flowers, it's requested donations be made to The Rotary Foundation - www.rotary.org


 
Patsy Long Derr was a Certified Public Accountant and retired as vice-president of Wilson Derr Thompson, p.c., local accounting firm in Harker Heights, TX. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mary Harden Baylor. She was the widow of Colonel Edward B. (Jack) Derr, the mother of Doug Derr and Barbara Derr Thomas and the proud grandmother of Sarah Katie and Jack Thomas.

Patsy served as Training Leader for 2008 International Assembly; Committee member for 2008 International Institute; Strategic Advisor for The Rotary Foundation Annual Programs Fund and will serve as Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator 2009-2010; was Regional Rotary International Membership Coordinator, and District Foundation Chair for four years. She was a Council on Legislation delegate 2004 and 2007, Water Task Force Zone chairman; and served on the RI Sergeant at Arms committee. She served as  discussion leader and member of the board of directors for Lone Star P.E.T.S., Inc., for seven years.

Her honors include Service Above Self and TRF Citation for Meritorious Service, She served as GSE team leader, treasurer of Zones 25-26

Prior to falling ill, Patsy was nominated for The Rotary Foundation's Distinguished Service Award. If selected by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, she will become only the second Rotarian in the history of District 5870 to hold all three recognitions.

Patsy was past president of the Exchange Club of Killeen, and was a charter member and sustaining member of the Junior Service League of Killeen. She was a member of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce, the Modern Study Club, and the Institute of Humanities in Salado.