Norman Anthony Derkum

Norman Anthony Derkum, age 69, of Wardsville, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Adams Street Nursing Home in Jefferson City. He was born in Wardsville on September 1, 1951, son of the late Anton and Clara (Feind) Derkum. Norman remained on the family century farm, "Rock Creek Farm" in Wardsville (now known as Deer Haven Estates) until moving to Olean in 1996. During this time, Norman was a full-time cattle and row crop farmer, employing many local teens. He also enjoyed custom hay baling in surrounding communities and cutting firewood to sell but was always willing to put his own work on hold to help a neighbor in need. In the mid-80s Norman began his trucking career, driving for several different companies, until parking his tanker at the Jefferson City River Terminal lot for a final time in 2015. Norman was known for driving fast and cooking slow, but his food was worth the wait. He enjoyed cooking, canning, butchering, gardening, and was a master of the BBQ. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, hunting, boating, and fishing. Norman's love of farm life was passed down to his children and grandchildren which helped him reconnect with his family and roots on his son's farm in his later years where he enjoyed riding horses, driving tractors, and sharing stories around the kitchen table. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville. He is survived by one son, Tony Derkum (Michelle) of Meta; one daughter, Angie Derkum of St. Elizabeth; six grandchildren, Will Derkum, Melina Derkum, Natalee Derkum, Ashley Twehus, Jacob Twehus, and Wyatt Twehus; great-grandson, Waylon Twehus; sister, Bernice Benton of Wardsville; brother-in-law, Richard Prenger of Taos; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; Mary Ann Prenger and Pauline Braun; infant brother, Carl Derkum; and two brothers-in-law, Paul Braun and Jim Benton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., with a visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., on Saturday, January 16, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville with Fr. I.C. Medina officiating. Interment will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Cemetery in Wardsville. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 15, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com