Derik Richard Holley's Obituary
Gunnery Sergeant Derik R. Holley, 33, of Dayton, OH, died in a Marine Corps helicopter crash Tuesday, April 3, 2018 near El Centro, CA.
He married Kasey Carpenter on December 8, 2007 in Coronado, CA and she survives. Also surviving are: his son Dane; his parents; sister Lindsay (Courtney); father-in-law Chad Carpenter; mother-in-law Sue Carpenter; and, brother-in-law Travis Carpenter. He is predeceased by his grandparents.
Derik was born at Andrews Air Force Base, Camp Springs, MD on September 27, 1984 to Richard and Sylvia (Rockwell) Holley. He was a 2002 graduate of Westlake High School in Waldorf, MD. He joined the United States Marine Corps in November 2003, serving as a CH-53E Super Stallion crew chief his entire career.
Derik deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, once to Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program, and once with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. His personal awards consist of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th award), Air Medal-Strike/Flight (9th award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4th award).
A memorial service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the Miramar National Cemetery, — 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at One Kroc Drive, Oak Brook, IL 60523 or http://rmhc.org and The Wingman Foundation at 10915 Via Brescia, Unit 909, San Diego, CA 92129 or www.wingmanfoundation.org. Arrangements are being handled by Clairemont Mortuary, 4266 Mt. Abernathy Avenue, San Diego, Ca 92117
What’s your fondest memory of Derik?
What’s a lesson you learned from Derik?
Share a story where Derik's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Derik you’ll never forget.
How did Derik make you smile?