Thales Alfred Derrick, aged 88, of St. George, Utah, passed away on October 17, 2023, in St. George. He was born on January 9, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Thales Matthew Derrick and Harriett Ann Clark.

On March 7, 1959, he married Willa Nita Brooks in the St. George Temple. Before their marriage, he had informed her that he would send money to his mother every month, a promise faithfully kept until he cared for her in his home until her passing.

Thales was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, and as a young boy, he had a deep love for cars, airplanes, and his family. Throughout his life, he restored cars and cherished spending time in the mountains, hunting, and fishing with his older siblings, children, and grandchildren. As a teenager, he worked at a service station to support his mother. His priorities in life were the Lord, his wife, his family, his country, flying airplanes, and fast cars.

He graduated from South High School in Salt Lake and attended the University of Utah for a year before enlisting in the Air Force. After a year and a half as an enlisted man, he was accepted into the Aviation Cadets, where he graduated first in his class, received a Commission as an officer, and earned his wings. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a BS in Business Management and a minor in psychology. He later received a Masterás Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

During his 20-year service as a fighter pilot in the Air Force, he was stationed in Arizona, England, New Mexico, Korea, Hawaii, Alabama, and Las Vegas. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and authored the Air Force Fighter Tactics Manual.

Tad was an Air Force Command Pilot with over 3,500 flying hours, including 129 combat missions in Vietnam. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals and was a fighter tactics specialist at the Air Force Top Gun School. While in the Air Force, Thales served twice as an LDS Branch President and Servicemen’s Group Leader. He was a Distinguished Graduate of Air Command and Staff College. In 2022, he received the University of Utah’s Distinguished Veteran Award.

After retiring from the Air Force, Tad owned and operated several small businesses. He also worked at Dixie College as the Dean of Instructional Support Services. Later, he served as the Associate Director of Institutional Advancement, where he secured endowments and land for the school’s expansion. Tad was a crucial figure in Dixie College achieving university status and was inducted into the Dixie State University Hall of Fame.

Tad was a devout disciple of Jesus Christ, and church service was central to his life. He lived a consecrated life and served as an Elder’s Quorum President, Branch President, Bishop, and Stake President. Tad and Willa presided as Mission Leaders over the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission and served as Visitor Center Directors at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors Center.

Tad was a dedicated keeper of records and wrote several family histories, including his parents, his great-grandfather, his own, and his son. Tad had many obligations and responsibilities but consistently prioritized children and grandchildren. He always attended ballgames, performances, or concerts. He was consistent in everything that matters the most and lasts the longest.

His son, David Thales Derrick (Kristen), preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Willa Nita (Brooks) Derrick; and their children: Daniel Derrick (Madelyn), Dennis Derrick (Cyndi), Dana Moody (Russ), and Douglas Derrick (Carrie). Additionally, he is survived by twenty-three grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. George Stake Center, 500 North 591 West, St. George, UT. Viewings will be held on Friday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and Saturday, prior to services, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center.

Services will be livestreamed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/UZDJ3FgyCsQ?feature=share

Interment with Military Honors will follow services in the St. George Cemetery located at 600 East Tabernacle Street.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary, and funeral listings.