Jerry Dean Derden

Jerry Dean Derden of Albuquerque, N.M., went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, after celebrating 77 years of life.

A man of great conversation and a dynamic motivational speaker, he had a strong passion for people and he never knew a stranger. He was a distinguished veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served his country.

Jerry retired as an air traffic controller in 1978, having served 25 years with the FAA. He was a 1951 graduate of Rector High School. He was passionate about flying and was an accomplished pilot and certified flight instructor in the state of Alaska.

Jerry is survived by Faye Derden, his bride of 57 years; his seven children, Julie James and husband Don of Newberg, Ore., Paula Masson of Phoenix, Ariz., Lesa Aminian and husband Bruce of Albuquerque, Marnie Derden of Albuquerque, Jake Derden and wife Carissa of Fresno, Calif., Angie Martinez and husband Henry of Albuquerque, and Shayne Derden and wife Dee of Albuquerque; his sister, Virginia Ruth Kimmler of Bucklin, Mo.; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held at French-Wyoming Blvd. Chapel on Monday, January 11, 2010, at 1 p.m. Private interment took place later at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of New Mexico, 7001 Menaul Blvd. NE Suite 1-A, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

Please visit the online guestbook for Jerry at www.RememberTheirStory.com (http://www.RememberTheirStory.com).