Derek Winchester Decatur, Illinois Obituary

Derek Winchester

Derek Anson Winchester, 35, of Decatur, Illinois passed away Monday, November 8, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Derek was born January 31, 1986, in Decatur to Gregg Winchester and Teresa (Ratliff) Dixon, the youngest of their three sons. He was a student in the Argenta-Oreana school district from kindergarten to 12th grade, graduating in the class of 2004. As a teenager, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement possible in the Boy Scouts of America organization. He received his Certificate of Emergency Medical Services and Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Richland Community College, his LPN from Capitol Area School of Nursing, and ultimately his RN from Richland. Derek saved lives for a living. He was an emergency room nurse for 13 years, working first at Decatur Memorial Hospital and then at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, IL. He loved his job, his colleagues, and his patients and was widely-respected among members of the healthcare community as one of the most committed and skilled nurses in Central Illinois. Derek’s favorite hobbies were reading and traveling. He was an avid reader of both classic and contemporary fiction, and could rarely be found without a book in his hands or on his nightstand. His family and friends regularly relied on him for recommendations about what they should read next, and Derek was always generous with loaning or gifting his own copies. Some personal favorites of his included The Count of Monte Cristo, The Night Circus, and The Kingsbridge Series of historical novels by Ken Follett. Derek also loved to travel and plan for travel. He went on many international adventures (and the occasional misadventure) to destinations such as Turkey, Portugal, Iceland, Ireland, Morocco, and the canoe and wilderness areas of Canada. Next on his list of travel destinations were Tulum, Mexico and Bali, Indonesia. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Charlene Winchester. He is survived by his parents, Teresa Dixon and Gregg Winchester, his stepfather, Parry Dixon, his brothers, Daniel and Darren Winchester, his sister-in-laws, Christie Sennott Winchester and Amy Winchester, his step-siblings, Forest Dixon, Crissy Dixon, and Maria Lichty, his maternal grandparents, William and Iladeen Ratliff, and his adoring nieces and nephew, Ella, June, and Oliver Winchester. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur. The visitation will be held on Friday, November 12, 5-9pm, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3955 Lourdes Dr, Decatur, IL. The funeral will be held at the same location on Saturday, November 13 at 10am. Both events are open to all who knew and loved Derek. Donations in Derek’s memory can be made to Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Charitable Fund - See Memorial Contributions Link Below - or call 217-429-3000 during regular business hours.
January 31, 1986 - November 8, 202101/31/198611/08/2021
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M
Mom
December 11, 2021
A candle was posted for Derek Winchester.
A candle was posted for Derek Winchester.
T
The Sennott Family (John, Lisa, Jordan and Lyla)
November 12, 2021
"The friends we have lost do not repose under the ground...they are buried deep in our hearts...that they may always accompany us." Alexandre Dumas

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Derek Winchester.

T
Tribute Store
November 12, 2021
Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family & friends at this trying time. We love you and wish we could be there. Russ & Angie Egbert
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Derek Winchester.

A tree was also planted in memory of Derek Winchester.
T
Tribute Store
November 12, 2021
Sending you love and peaceful thoughts during this difficult time.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Derek Winchester.

M
Michael Cox
November 11, 2021
Derek will be forever in my heart. Love you forever Derek.
Full Of Love Bouquet

Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Derek Winchester.

G
Gavin and Kristen and family
November 11, 2021
Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time,
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Derek Winchester.

K
Kathy Straughan
November 11, 2021
Thinking of all of you with our love and prayers! Tracy's "Spirit Sisters", Kathy, Gayle and Terre
Fall Fantasia

Fall Fantasia was purchased for the family of Derek Winchester.

L
Love Tina, Destiny, and Cara
November 11, 2021
Our hearts go out to you all for the loss of this amazing human being! He impacted our lives so deeply! Derek's legacy will live on through us!
Sentimental Dreams

Sentimental Dreams was purchased for the family of Derek Winchester.

A
AOHS Class of 2004
November 11, 2021
Derek will be missed by so many. Sending our warmest condolences.
A New Sunrise Spray

A New Sunrise Spray was purchased for the family of Derek Winchester.

A tree was also planted in memory of Derek Winchester.
T
Tribute Store
November 11, 2021
Wishing you peace and courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Keeping you in our hearts and prayers.
Written in the Stars

Written in the Stars was purchased for the family of Derek Winchester.

A tree was also planted in memory of Derek Winchester.