Mr. Howard S. "Pete" Derby, 87, of Ethelsville, AL, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Windsor Place, in Columbus, MS.

Visitation will be February 16, 2023, at Piney Grove Methodist Church, 102 Fern Bank Rd, Steens, MS, from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 pm. Lowndes Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Pete was born on June 5, 1935, in Pittsfield, MA to the late Helen Newton Derby and Howard Derby. He served his country in the US Army, and was the last surviving member of his platoon. Pete was also an avid hunter and fisherman, who was a skilled "Jack of all trades". He was, most importantly a believer in Jesus Christ, and volunteered for 10 years with the Nomads. In addition to his parents, Mr. Derby is preceded in death by his first wife, Joan May Derby.

He is survived by his wife – Ruth Myrick Derby; sons – Paul (Susan Frew) Derby, Rick (Sandy Fong-ging) Derby, Peter (Dawn) Derby; daughter – Holly Suggs; grandchildren – Kemly Derby, Travis (Nicole) Derby, Luke (Mary Morrison) Derby; great-grandchildren – Caleb Derby, Trace Derby; sisters – Deanne Grunow, Sandra Maloy; brother – Michael (Lois) Derby; and numerous nieces and nephews.