Derek Kneale Heck, 48, of Henderson, Nevada, a native of Mound City, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, in Kingman, Arizona.

Derek was born on August 18, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was the son of Kneale and Cynthia (Young) Heck. Derek graduated from Mound City High School in 1990. He attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, and was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity. Derek also attended Columbia College and was a member of the golf team. He had various marketing and sales jobs over the years.

Derek was a free spirit. He lived life his way, loved everyone around him, and was always where the action was. He had several pastimes. Whether he was swinging his golf clubs or tennis racket, or hunting with his big brother, Doug, and father, Kneale, you could find Derek doing it with passion and a smile on his face.

Derek was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Russell and Marjorie Young; and paternal grandparents, Earl and Wilda Heck.

Derek is survived by his parents of Henderson; brother, Doug Heck (Aom Sumnuek), St. Joseph; niece and nephews, Hannah, Hunter and Greyson Heck; numerous aunts and uncles; and special friend, Rebecca Brown, Fernley, Nevada.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 5, at Toad Hollar (formerly The Klub) in Mound City at 2:00 p.m. The family suggests donations be made to a charity of choice.