Derrick Van Dyke Armstrong

Derrick Van Dyke Armstrong, 62, of Gahanna, left to be with the Lord, on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.
Derrick was born August 23, 1958 in Dayton, Ohio to George Armstrong and Fannie Bernice Howard Armstrong.

He graduated from Nettie Lee Roth High School in 1976 where he also played as a member of the Men's Varsity Basketball team. He retired from the State of Ohio as a Corrections Officer.

After High School, he met the love of his life, future wife of 30 years and mother of his children, Christie (otherwise known as Elaine), in 1978. She would later give birth to their firstborn son, Darius; four years later, their youngest son, Derian would be born. Derrick and Christie married on August 25th, 1990.

He was a beloved member of the Revelation Missionary Baptist Church family located in Dayton, Ohio where he once served in music and as a Deacon in Training.

Derrick had many passions in his life. Some of which included his love of music and sports; basketball in particular. Though he regarded these two passions very highly, they centered around the things that he loved the most, which were his GOD, His family and his friends.

Derrick, or POP, as he was often referred to by the kids, loved the idea of spending quality time with his family. Whether at home with just he and his wife or surrounded by his children, their children, his brother and in-laws, he took pleasure in "firing up the grill" and watching some games. He loved to interact and attend the children's events when able, and made sure to follow up with them if unable to do so. He had a special bond with all of his grandchildren. He took pride in being there for and with his family.

Like his mother and father, Derrick was the type of person that "never met a stranger". He had a way of making you feel comfortable talking to him as if you had known him forever, only after knowing him for a few seconds. He always had a warm, friendly and welcoming demeanor. This is even further evidenced through the seemingly countless bonds and friendships forged throughout his life. Derrick has so many strong relationships with friends and family from childhood, high school years, Church, through music association and sports! There are just too many to specifically name. The family does want them all know that they are recognized, deeply loved and appreciated for what you added to his and their lives!

Derrick's passion for music was very self-evident. At a young age, he taught himself how to play the BASS guitar, drums, and the keyboard. Though he was never professionally trained, his gift would make room for him to travel and see the world over the years. He was an original member of the group DAYTON, and later became a member of the groups FRIENDZ, TOUCH, and the legendary Funk group, LAKESIDE. He had the pleasure of traveling overseas to perform for our US Troops in London, Dubai, Cuba, Afghanistan, in addition to traveling over the continental US to perform. It's safe to say that he chased and lived out his dream.

Derrick will be deeply missed by his wife Christie Armstrong of 30 years; children Darius Armstrong and Derian (Shaindal) Armstrong; grandchildren Darius Jr., Madison, Aphriditie, Davis, Maximus and Athena; brothers Anthony Armstrong, Derrond (Venita) Armstrong, Charles Armstrong; mother-in-law Margaret Byrd; Best Friend David Caldwell along with abundance of Cousins (Brothers and Sisters), brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, band mates, family and friends.

Derrick was preceded in death by his parents George and Fannie; Maternal Grandparents Lottie (Bonner) and Andrew Howard; Paternal Grandparents Martha Kendricks and John Henry Armstrong; Sister T. Wendy Armstrong; Uncle Walter Howard; Cousin Winifred Stone and daughter-in-law Dr. Asia V. Armstrong.

The family thanks the caregivers at The Ohio State University East and Main Campus Hospitals and the Prestige Gardens rehabilitation and nursing facility for their tender loving care.

The details of Mr. Armstrong's Memorial Service are as follows:

Visitation will be September 5, 2020, from 2pm to 3:30 pm with a funeral service to follow at 3:30 pm at Newcomer NE Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.