Albert Wayne Derby, age 83 of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, March 13, 2009 at Altercare of Big Rapids under the watchful and loving eyes of his family and "his girls" on staff. He was born October 26, 1925 in Stanwood the son of John and Dora (Frasher) Derby. Wayne was honorably discharged from the United States Coast Guard, serving during World War II in the Pacific Theater, under the department of the Navy. Following the service he returned to Big Rapids and married Betty L. Ray on July 26, 1952. They made their home in Grand Rapids where Wayne worked for Kroger. From there they moved to Stanwood where they lived for over thirty years and Wayne operated an active farm. The family moved to Big Rapids in 1993. Wayne was retired from Wolverine World Wide where he worked as an inspector and was a local union officer. Wayne was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids. He was a life member of V.F.W. Post #4102 in Rogers Heights. Wayne served for many years as the service officer for the Mecosta County Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund, giving aide and care to local veterans. He is survived by his 4 children; Carole Miles, Debra Rolston, and Craig Derby all of Big Rapids, and Mark (Jennie) Derby of Reed City; 9 grandchildren, Aaron (fiance Samantha Neuman) Miles of Chippewa Lake, Tracy Miles (fianc Josh Holton) of Big Rapids, Richard (Amy) Bowers of Denver, CO, Mark Wymer of Hersey, Daniel Sanford of Mesa, AZ, Thomas Wymer of Grand Rapids, Angie (Eric) Goodwin of Reed City, Daniel (Jeri Jo) Rolston of Howard City, and Candi (Chris) Renne of Rodney; l8 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Bonnie Vinton of Grand Rapids, Eleanor Burden of Morley, Shirley Barrett of Grandville; 6 sisters-in-laws, Nancy Myers and Sharon (Art) Vincent all of Big Rapids, Sandy Sweet of Paris, Faye (Paul) Thomas of Remus, Barbara Lisco of Hudson, FL and Alicia Ray of Douglasville, GA and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Betty on November 24, 2008; an infant daughter; 6 brothers, Russell, Ralph, Karl, Paul, Willard, and Robert Derby; a sister, Esther Baker and 2 sons-in-law, Daniel Rolston and Doug Burns. Funeral services will take place 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. The family will greet friends at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery near Stanwood with military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post #98 Firing Squad. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids or Heartland Hospice.