Major Steve Earl Derr

Steve Earl Derr, 76, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025.

Steve was born on January 22, 1949 in Columbia, Missouri to Elwyn and Ruby Derr. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Education from Eastern University in Ypsilanti, Michigan and later a Master of Science in Telecommunications Management from Golden Gate University. 

Steve met Catherine ‘Cathy’ Bowman in 1966 and they married in 1969. Upon college graduation Steve served in the U.S. Army from April 1972 to April 1992, retiring as a Major at Fort Huachuca, AZ. His service took him around the world, including assignments in Stuttgart, Germany, and Seoul, South Korea, as well as numerous stateside posts.

After military service, Steve worked for another 20 years as a government contractor before retiring in 2012. He continued his lifelong commitment to leadership and mentorship with the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 445 and a District Commissioner. 

Steve had a passion for woodworking and was known for his ability to fix just about anything. He approached life with patience, skill, and a willingness to help others, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Derr; his children, Christa, Matthew (Rebecca), and Sarah (Joshua); his brother, William ‘Dennis’ Derr (Sharon); and his cherished grandchildren, Nathaniel, Madison, Samuel, Allison, and Kaitlyn. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Steve’s legacy of service, kindness, and craftsmanship will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

A service to honor his life will be held at a later date at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Dementia Foundation, www.alzfdn.org.

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