Derek Thomas Griffitts

Griffitts, Derek Thomas, of St. Charles, MO, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the age of 18. Beloved son of Harry and Denise Griffitts; dear brother of Lindsey Griffitts; cherished grandson of James and Bonnie Colench; treasured nephew of Cynthia (Robert) Greene, Jeffrey (Heidi) Colench, Lisa (Patrick) Cunningham, Daniel (Brenda Cowley) Colench, and Mary B.J. (Tracy) Bunton; and also survived by many loving cousins, other relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Harry and Phyllis Griffitts.

Derek was an honor student at St. Charles Lutheran High School. He played football and was an all-conference defensive back, wide receiver, and kicker. Derek was a 2 time state qualifier in wrestling, a state qualifier in golf, and played club soccer. He was admitted to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Memorials may be made in honor of Derek to Friends of Kids with Cancer, Washington University Legacy Program for Pediatric Brain Tumor Research, Ronald McDonald House, or Make a Wish Foundation.