Derick Scott Sides, 42, of De Leon, won his battle over cancer and was taken home by his Lord and Savior, Saturday, October 26, 2019, with his loving family by his side. He was born July 25, 1977, in De Leon to David Scott Sides and Marsha Johnson England.

Derick lived most of his life in Comanche County. He attended De Leon public schools, Ranger Junior College and Tarleton State University. He attended the United Pentecostal Church in De Leon.

Derick began his dream job at the age of 20 becoming an underwater welder. He worked for numerous offshore companies before becoming a Project Manager for Specialty Offshore.  He was known, during his 15-year career, as a "Golden Diver", a diver that was used in complicated and often dangerous situations. Most of his diving career was spent in the Gulf of Mexico working on offshore oil rigs. He later started his own business, Alpha 7, where he completed demolition and salvage work. He also worked government contract jobs and was a government approved demolition and debris contractor during Hurricane Harvey in both Texas and Florida. Derick was most comfortable when he was in the water but also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, especially with his son, Daniel.  Derick enjoyed reading, learning and researching various subjects. When diagnosed with cancer, he researched all available information and compiled a book with his research. When he showed his research to his oncologist, the response from the oncologist was that Derick had missed his "calling". His research had shown a way to cure his cancer but since the procedure was not approved by the American Medical Association, it could not be used. However, the oncologist at Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center asked to make a copy of his research. Derick's hope was that the research, although it couldn't help him, could be used in the future for others that would be diagnosed with colon-rectal cancer.

He is survived by his children, Daniel Sides of Ranger, LeLu and Olivia Sides of Huntsville; his mother, Marsha Johnson England and partner, Gregg Lederer of De Leon; his father and step-mother, David and Mary Sides of Oregon; his sister, Michelle Ackermann and partner, Jeff Lewis of De Leon; mother of his children, Candy Hunter of Huntsville; aunts, Kathy and Terry Webb of Elm Mott and Sue Pittman of Granbury; numerous nieces and nephews; and other extended family.

Derick was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Deryl and La Joyce Johnson; paternal grandparents, Pete and Lucy Sides; and his cousin, Jody Boen.

Serving as pallbearers were Jeff Lewis, Ted Hodges, James Gladden, Tim Beaty, Kurt Ackermann and Marshall Wofford. Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at 2:00 pm at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Varence Dupre officiating. Derick was laid to rest in the family cemetery at Round Grove. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to your charity of choice, in memory of Derick.