12, 1989, to Kimberley Noel Woollett and David William Paul Woollett.

Derek departed us suddenly on Oct. 14, 2025, at the age of 36.

He brought warmth, curiosity, joy, and kindness to everyone who knew him with a happy smile.

Derek graduated from UT-San Antonio with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He worked at the United States Post Office, where his reliability and friendly nature made him wellliked by coworkers.

Beyond work, Derek was a country boy at heart and had a profound love for the outdoors. He found joy in playing disc golf in the woods, hiking, and fishing.

He found fulfillment in sharing his love of the natural world with his daughter and partner, Addy and Diana. He found joy in sports medicine and fitness, trying out different methods with his younger brother, John.

Derek was drawn to learning and creating.

You could often find him tinkering with handson projects - building computers and designing hydroponic systems.

He was enthusiastic about football. He supported the Texas Longhorns and was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan — a commitment that taught him patience, humility, and the art of saying “maybe next year” with a straight face.

As one of the oldest grandchildren, he dedicated time to introduce his cousins to his fondness for video games and paint ball, sometimes even as target practice.

His love of video games extended into adulthood as you could often find him playing at all hours with his cousin, David, and his brother, John.

Derek’s heart was as big as his generosity.

He was always ready to lend a hand —helping build his parents’ home, supporting his mother through chemotherapy, and being there for friends and family whenever they needed him.

He frequently assisted his father, David, in his business by helping with practical, hands-on projects, reflecting his helpful nature and love of creating. His greatest joy in life was his daughter, Addyson, who lit up his world. From magical trips to Disney World to joining her in her favorite games, Derek’s love and devotion as a father shone in everything he did.

Derek spent each summer in Pennsylvania visiting his grandparents, Francis and Christine Tagert, uncle Adam, great aunt Punkie (Priscilla), and great grandmother Mommom (Mary Tagert).

His grandparents would take him to Phillies games, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Baltimore Aquarium.

He particularly enjoyed Grandpa’s family trips, a noteworthy one was the road trip through Arizona. In adulthood, Derek took this joy of family trips from his childhood and implemented it with his partner and child, Diana and Addy.

Derek met the love of his life, Diana, in 2015.

Together they shared a deep love for the outdoors, music, good food, and most importantly, their daughter. He was a devoted, loving, and caring father and partner whose warmth, generosity, and spirit will forever be remembered. Derek is survived by his daughter, Addyson Woollett, his partner, Diana Loera, his mother and father, Noel and David Woollett, his brother, John Woollett, and his maternal grandmother, Christine Tagert; and many extended aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him deeply.

A funeral service honoring Derek’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at 2 p.m. in Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas.

Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, from 5-8 p.m.

His family invites all who knew and loved him to join in celebrating the life of a devoted father, son, brother, and friend whose warmth, humor and kindness never be forgotten.