Jacob Edward "ED" Derks

Jacob Edward “Ed” Derks, of Overland Park, KS, passed away suddenly at age 60 on April 10, 2025.

Ed was born on August 31, 1964, in Kansas City, MO. During his childhood he loved all sports, especially playing baseball at Belton Memorial Park. He graduated from Belton High School with the class of 1982.

Ed would tell anyone who would listen that his children, Allison and Sam, were his greatest accomplishments. While they were growing up, he never missed a dance practice, competition or recital. As a member of the "Dancing Dads," he was Allison's biggest fan and quite the performer. Ed was happiest on a baseball diamond with Sam, who shares his dad's love of the game. "Coach Ed" managed several baseball teams and mentored many young players throughout the years.

After decades of keeping students connected working in IT at Baker University, Ed took his passion for sports and turned it into a career. He described his position as the operations supervisor at Blue Valley Recreation as his home away from home, with the fields full of baseball and softball activity. Ed served as a mentor, confidant, and most importantly, a friend to everyone he encountered.

Ed was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Derks; paternal grandparents, Ronald and Anna Mae Derks; and maternal grandparents, Oliver and Golda Ferne Hendrickson.

He is survived by his children, Allison Jo Derks and Samuel Edward Derks of Lee’s Summit, MO; his mother, Connie Derks of Buffalo, MO; one brother, Kurk (Rose) Derks of Sumter, SC; three sisters, Tammy Lea Salsberry of Niceville, FL; Tonya Binga of Fountain Inn, SC; Tammie Sue (David) Emanuel of Buffalo, MO; and dozens of loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, April 18 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at TM Fieldhouse, 1550 SE Hamblen Road, Lee’s Summit, MO. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ed Derks Memorial Fund at any U.S. Bank branch location. You can also donate directly at this link.