(March 28, 1933 – June 29, 2024)
Derel Fillingim, 91, joined his Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Derel was born on March 28, 1933, to the late Robert and Ruth (Cotten) Fillingim in Plains, Texas. Derel graduated from Hico High School where he met and fell in love with Wilma Woodard. They were married on December 19, 1953, and celebrated 61 years of marriage. Derel served in the United States Air Force as an airplane mechanic and instructor while in Korea. When he came home, he purchased land and built a home just south of Hico, TX where he raised a family, working the land and raising livestock for the rest of his career. Derel had several additional pursuits while farming and ranching. He was a national champion drag racer in the 60’s and early 70’s. In the late 70’s Derel pursued change in agricultural policy and led regional farmers on the Tractorcade to Washington D.C. Later, Derel earned his real estate license, opened a business in Hico and sold real estate for 17 years. Derel loved serving the Lord; leading his Sunday School group and engaging with the Kairos Prison Ministry, sharing the freedom of Jesus Christ. He also enjoyed traveling and his favorite place was Colorado. Derel was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, his brother, Robert L. Skeet Fillingim, his sister, Bobbie Wardle, and his brother Theo Buck Fillingim. He is survived by his wife of three years Leona, brother Carel Fillingim, sister Doris Blakley and husband Charles, sister-in-law Patsy Fillingim, sister-in-law Micheline Fillingim, along with daughters and sons-in-law; Kim and Mike Martin, Dee Ann and Dudley Reed, Beth and David Jackson, Janis and Andy Parrack, stepson Ray Hanshew and grandchildren; Lance, Ashley, Calvin, Ethan, Myrah, Isaiah, Peyton, and Paxton; plus, Peyton and Taylor, and 10 great grandchildren.
Visitation 6-8pm, July 2, 2024, at Harvest Hills Funeral Home. Services 2pm, Wednesday July 3, 2024, at Harvest Hills Funeral Home with burial to follow at Country Oaks Cemetery.
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