Derrick Averette

Derrick Averette, age 78, passed away Tuesday June 29, 2021 with his daughters by his side. Derrick was born on May 25, 1943 to Earl and Estella (Bush) Averette in Canton, Ohio. A graduate of Canton McKinley Senior High School, Derrick lived life to the fullest. He travelled the world with notable stops in Germany, Korea, and numerous stateside locations while serving his country proudly. Staff Sergeant Derrick Averette was a Communications Specialist and served as a Multichannel Communications Systems Operator. During his tour, he earned a Letter of Appreciation for his marksmanship expertise with the rifle (M14). In addition to a number of ribbons and medals, his skill with the hand grenade (1st class) was also noted. He retired from the United States Army as an honorable veteran in 1991 and began enjoying his hobbies of photography, music, building computers and anything electronic, collecting family history/genealogy and keeping in touch with his friends and loved ones. Derrick was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Victoria Averette and Sandra Averette, and brothers, Earl Averette and Edward Averette. Derrick is survived by his brother Arvis Averette, his sister Katherine Averette, and his special sister Rosalyn Priester. He will be remembered fondly by his daughters Theresa (Dennis Shaw) Averette-Shaw, Mary (Ken Burt) White-Burt, Carmen Nantwi, and their siblings whom he also loved deeply: Lisa (Steve) Ashcraft, Vicky Reynolds, Adam Hammond, and Chelaise Burton. Derrick will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Lachaela Brooks, Theresa Frazier, Kytonna Averette, Bryanna Frazier, Ayris Frazier, Brenton Frazier, Delon Hammond, Teonna Hammond, Daquon White, Derrick Burton, CeCe Burton, Terrell Burton, and Hollis Burton. In addition to dear friends, Derrick leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews whose shouts of "Uncle Derrick!!" could be heard all the way down the street whenever he arrived to tell stories, wrestle, and share treats. Derrick had a way of making you feel special and letting you know he cared about you. All of his friends can remember at least one random phone call from Derrick where you couldn't get a word in edgewise, but he definitely shared some wisdom with you. Derrick was also blessed to have 9 great-grandchildren: Paris, London, Gemariah, Zakai, Naomi, Capri, Quincey, Gabrianna and Aubrielle. He enjoyed spending time with them and telling stories. Oh the stories he could tell! Friends may call Monday from 10 a.m.-12 Noon at the Lamiell Funeral Home with a service to follow at 12 Noon. Burial will be in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.