David Lee Derrow

David L. Derrow, 63, passed away peacefully at Corona Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, after a brief fight with cancer. Born in San Diego, CA, Dave was the eldest son of the late William Derrow and Jane Culen. Upon graduating from high school, Dave enlisted in the United States Army, where he would remain until his retirement at age 46. He began his highly decorated military career as an Infantryman within the Armys elite Special Forces (Airborne), colloquially known as the Green Berets due to their distinguished head gear, which he proudly wore, along with his coveted "jump wings." Dave also served as a "Tanker" and was often heard saying the phrase "lock n' loaded." During his stint in the Army Dave proudly served three tours in the Middle East where he picked up the love of the Arabic language, of which he could speak fluently. Dave would ultimately finish his military career as a Major (O-4), which he earned through completing his Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Government at Saint Martins University, as well as completing the Armys Officer Candidate School (OCS) as a young solider. Immediately after retiring from the Army, Dave became an educator for the Moreno Valley Unified School District, and dedicated another 16 years of his life to a job in service. Dave was genuinely a fun person to be around. He was a big time sports enthusiast, who didnt mind telling someone that their favorite team(s) sucked, because other than the L.A. Lakers, his favorites were the Dodger's and the Rams, who he supported endlessly, just as he loved, and supported, his family, friends, and country. Dave is survived by his four daughters, Autumn, Megan, Shelby, and Loren, who he also referred to as Daughters #1, #2, #3, and #4, respectively. Not in order according to who he loved, from greatest to least, but the order in which each of them entered into his life. Dave is also survived by the mothers to his daughters, Andrea Coons-Trent and Susan Derrow, his 3 grandkids, Devin, Kylynn, and Cruz, his brother Dann, sister Denise, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His death is preceded by parents William Derrow and Jane Culen. In lieu of flowers, Dave would be honored if you were to make a donation in his name to a cause that was dear to his heart, The Gray Sinise Foundation - www.garysinisefoundation.org Services will be held at Riverside National Cemetery (22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside) on 8/2/18 at 1030 with the celebration of his life, following the service, at Joe's Bar and Grill (10909 Magnolia Ave, Riverside) at 1200. Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery Staging Area #3 Thursday 8/2, 10:30 am