Herbert Thomas Derickson III

Herbert "H.T." Thomas Derickson III, 89, of Stanton, KY passed away on June 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and wife.

 H.T. was born on August 12, 1935 in Stanton, KY, the son of Herbert Thomas Derickson, Jr. and Vandetta Landers Derickson.

 H.T. graduated from Powell County High School, then went on to raise a family and to enjoy life on the family farm with the love of his life, Wilda Martin Derickson.

Married on September 2, 1955 H.T. and Wilda, married 69 years and 9 months, they lived a life of love and adventure with their five children, Vera, Vanessa, Herbert (IV), Valorie and James "Jamie". If you knew H.T., he never missed an opportunity to tell you about his Lord and Savior, his love for his family and his horse training expertise. And in that order! H.T. was a member and leader of Shiloh Community Church, and a founder of a local jail ministry. He had numerous accomplishments in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, including President and Hall of Fame inductee of the KWHA, original and founding member of the WHTA licensing program, winner of numerous world championships and trainer of notable horses such as Rock a Bye Lady, Handshaker's Candy, Lady of Masterpiece, A Walking Dream, Ace's Fargo and A Promise of Pride. He was a founding member of the Rocky Mountain Horse industry and won awards and International Championships too numerous to mention. Some of his most noted Rocky Mountain Horses were Rebel Rock, Dusty's Delta Dawn and Broken Bones Sam's Son. He was the winner of the RFDTV America's Favorite Trail Horse Competition on Blue on Black. He was a Master Breeder in both the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and the Rocky Mountain Horse industry. He was an avid coon hunter in his younger years and achieved Breeder of the Year and Hall of Fame inductee in the UKC Walker Hounds and trained many world champion coon dogs. Of all the accomplishments in his life, he would tell you the greatest of all was witnessing and leading many souls to know Jesus Christ. Even leading up to his last days, he was sharing the gospel.

 H.T. especially loved children and could often be found bouncing one of his own children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren on his knee or telling them a Bible story. He leaves behind so many friends and family members that share fond memories of his gentle spirit, his story telling abilities and his love for a nice trail ride.

 The Bible tells us in Job 42:17, "So Job died, being old and full of days." This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of restoration for those who endure with steadfast faith. H.T. lived a long and full life, rich in experience and fulfillment. He left a legacy for his family filled with faith and love, and the greatest gift he could leave is the story of salvation and the promise that we will all be together again one day.

 Remaining to cherish H.T.'s memory are wife, Wilda; children, Vera (Larry Patterson), Vanessa (the late Bruce Crowe), Herbert (Jill), and Jamie Derickson (Sandra); grandchildren, Chris Tipton (Kim), Derick Tipton (Anna Kate), Bobby Jean (Doug Haney), Larry Patterson (Rhonica), Stanley Tipton (Savanna), Rachel Crowe, Landers Crowe (Leslie), Erica (Thad Way), Maria (Jason Bobo), Thomas Derickson and Will Derickson; great-grandchildren, Launa Kaylee (Jordan Wilson), Jackson, Kolby, Conner, Russell, Jaylyn, Dillan, Preston, Landon, Hunter, Landon, Harrison, Madelyn, Adalynn, William, Cruz, Blaze, Dakota, Elliott, Ford, Conlee, Foster, and Bennett; his brother, Henry Shelby Derickson (Bonnie); great-great-grandchildren, Sophia Wilson and Noah Lee Wilson and many nieces and nephews.

 Preceding him in death are child, Valorie (and Greg Marcum); grandchild, Dosha Kaye Marcum, his parents, Vandetta and Herbert, Jr. Derickson, and three sisters, Lurline Skidmore, Nancy Stidham and Lillian Williams. 

 A Celebration of Life will be held at First Church of God 980 E. College Avenue Stanton, KY on July 13, 2025, with Visitation from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and a Memorial service to follow at 4:00 p.m. 

 Donations in H.T.'s memory may be directed to Stanton Nursing Center Christmas Fund, make checks out to Brady Creech and mail to 31 Derickson Lane Stanton, KY 40380.