August 17, 1984 – March 1, 2020
Derek Wayne Neeley, 35, was called to his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, March 1, 2020, at 2:18 p.m. while in ICU at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
His kindness, compassion, love, and generosity continue to give joy and life to others through his decision to be an organ donor.
Derek was born a gift from God on August 17, 1984, in Bedford to his parents, Lu Ann (Nunes) Neeley and Larry Wayne Neeley.
He was a life-long resident of Lawrence County. Derek left behind the light of his world and precious daughter, Braylie Shay Neeley, his only child and “mini-me”.
Derek was also survived by many family members who loved and adored him, including his mother, Lu Ann (Nunes) Neeley, his sister, and brother-in-law, Kelsi and Frank Sullivan, his sister, Terra Blackwell and husband, Brandon, his brother, Chase Neeley and wife Breeanna, his nieces, Jaylin Grissom, Emily Sullivan, Raelynn Blackwell, and nephew, Miles Blackwell, his best friend, Luke Wilkerson, an aunt, Jeanne (Nunes) Schedel and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Wayne Neeley, his maternal grandfather, Owen Nunes, his maternal Grandma “Nunie”, Catherine (Ballard) Nunes, and his maternal aunt, Janice Birdsell.
Derek graduated from Bedford North Lawrence High School in 2002. After graduation, he entered into the sheet metal trade and graduated from the apprenticeship program in 2010, receiving an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech and becoming a Union Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker. Derek absolutely loved the outdoors and being a part of nature. He loved doing anything outdoors, especially fishing, camping, or enjoying God’s wondrous creation from his canoe.
Derek was baptized on January 3, 2010. He has faithfully attended Bedford First Church of God for several years, where he both served and fellowshipped with his brothers and sisters in Christ. Derek’s true desire was to see others find Jesus and experience the grace that can only be found in Christ. Despite our devastation, we find comfort in the loving, solid Word of God. As 2 Corinthians 5:8 assures us that for believers of Jesus Christ, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
If you have ever met or known our forever loved, Derek Neeley, we are confident that, in some way, he has touched your life. We invite you to celebrate his life with us at his funeral service on Tuesday, March 10th at 2 p.m. at Bedford First Church of God, with his faithful and loving pastor, Travis Inman, officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery in Bedford. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, March 9th and Noon until the time of the funeral at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an account opened for his daughter, Braylie Neeley, at Bedford Federal Savings Bank.
Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.
