John Garner Derickson

John Garner Derickson, 101, of North Little Rock, passed away peacefully at his home on February 26, 2015. He was born in Red Wing, Minnesota in 1913 to Harry Franklin Derickson and Hilda Sophia Olson Derickson, the youngest of their four children. His early childhood was spent on his grandparents' farm in Red Wing. At the age of 10, the family moved to Leslie, Arkansas where he graduated from high school. John worked various jobs to support himself until he volunteered at the age of 28 into the U.S. Navy during WWII. He served on a destroyer, the USS Harrison, in the Pacific. After experiencing a typhoon while aboard ship, John promised God that if he lived, he would not let Him down. John maintained his commitment to support the church throughout his life. Following the war, John returned to Arkansas. After working as a factory representative for large companies, he decided to start his own company. In 1947 he and a partner founded Hiwasse Manufacturing Company in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Hiwasse is a Cherokee word meaning "pleasant place". The company thrived under his leadership and John eventually took full control of the company. In 1993 John's son Richard joined him as Hiwasse's president, which continues today. In 1954 John married Sarah Geraldine Bush of Little Rock, known to her friends and family as Jerrie. Their happy union lasted over 60 years, and they shared many joyful memories during that time. John loved hunting in the U.S., Canada and Alaska. He traveled the world well into his 90's, including trips to South America, Africa, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, Europe, and Siberia. John was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member and past master of Wiley's Cove Lodge in Leslie Arkansas, and a Mason for 78 years. He was also a member of the Scimitar Shrine Temple and a member of UCT Council #167 of Little Rock. In keeping with his promise to God, John was an active member of Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock. Preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Harriet Ranker, Dora Kaylor, and Bob Derickson, John is survived by his wife, Jerrie Derickson; son, John Richard Derickson of Little Rock; daughters, Jenelle Louise Kelly of Missouri City, Texas and Janis Rae Radecki of Indio, California; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Sunday, March 8 from 3-6 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be held on Monday, March 9 at 11 a.m. at Lakewood United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Luke Conway. A reception at the church will follow the service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 18th St. NW, Washington, D.C. or Habitat for Humanity, 6700 S. University, Little Rock, Ark. 72209. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mr. Derickson's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.