On December 12, 2018, our lives were changed forever when our beloved son, Derek Bryan Keeling, passed from this life into the arms of his loving Savior.
Derek became a Christian at the age of five and his faith never wavered.
He left behind his parents Roger and Sandi Keeling, sister Erin Stulgis and her husband Steve Stulgis, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins and friends.
Derek was a graduate of Winfield High School and attended Mars Hill College where he was a brother of Delta Kappa Theta, and graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky.
After graduating, Derek went straight to New York where he landed his first National Tour as Danny Zuko in Grease. He performed that role over 700 times, including on Broadway, with the last time being in Istanbul, Turkey.
Derek performed all over the United States in various leading roles, including The Fonz in “Happy Days”, Chad in “All Shook Up”, Skip in “Life Could Be a Dream”, and with the Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles with sold out shows.
One of his favorite roles was the National Tour of “Million Dollar Quartet” when he played Johnny Cash.
While touring he recorded some of his original songs at SUN Records in Memphis, TN. He later recorded his own album and included these songs. He wrote all of his own music and lyrics.
As per Derek’s wishes, we will have a party, a Celebration of Life, on Sunday, January 20, 2019, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Valley Park Conference Center in Hurricane. Everyone welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Musical Theatre Department at the University of Kentucky Scholarship Fund in Derek’s name.
In all of Derek’s great accomplishments for his short time on this earth, the one he will forever be known best for is a loving son, brother, cousin and friend. Forever loved, forever missed and always in our hearts.
To the Family of Derek
Sorry for your loss, please find comfort in Jesus words at John 5:28and29
Sandi, I worked with you years ago at Thomas when all our children were young (and so were we). I remember always your love and pride when you spoke of your children and all their promise and potential.
I am praying for you and yours for grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16-17)
Susan Mundy
Roger and Sandi
My sincere condolences for your loss of Derek. Though I never got to see him perform, through several of our mutual friends I understand how very talented he was and how proud you were of him and his abilities. May the Lord be with you and help you through these times of sorrow and loss.
Jeff Lanham (former owner of Automotive Specialties)
Thank you everyone for the inspiring and lovely comments.
Roger and Sandi
Our deepest condolences for the passing of your son. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.
We are so sad for the loss of your precious son, Derek. Prayers for comfort in this time of great sadness.
Rosemary Coffman
Kay Brown
My deepest sympathy for the loss of such a young, talented, kind and generous man. My heart goes out to all of Derek’s family and friends.
May fond memories of Derek bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have and smile at the fact that you were able to share these. My heart and sympathies go out to you and your family.
Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the righteous one is due for a blessing.”
Something that gives us great comfort is the Bible truth that death is not the dot or period at the end of a sentence, but rather the comma or pause because our dear loved ones will live again. We know that we will see our loved ones again because the beautiful promise recorded at Revelation 21:4 “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” What a truly special day so close at hand to be able to embrace our loved ones again!
Roger and Sandi,there is not words that can say how sorry we are . Missy, life will forever be changed.He was such a wonderful young man. God gave you something very special,we will always remember him.Our love and prayers will always be with you.
Roger, Our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Prayers for the comfort only God can give your heart at this time and the days ahead. Our thoughts are with you all.
My sincerest condolences to the family of Derek, May you all be comforted with the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May Derek for ever remain in the arms and presence of Jesus.
Martha Travis
I wanted to express my condolences to Derek’s family and friends.
I was fortunate enough to meet Derek during the tour of MDQ, he was one of the best and nicest people I have had the pleasure to meet. In fact when I saw he had joined the cast in Vegas, I made many trips there to see him perform.. Derek was performing in Walnut Creek, Ca in Life Could Be a Dream, close to where I live so of course I saw that 5 xs, just thought he was an amazing actor.
Dear Sandi and Roger,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I am so sorry.
Dear Roger and Sandi, I am very sorry to hear that you son Derek has passed away. I have always said parents should never have to bury a child. Derek was a very talented person and I can remember when he competed on the television for the the role in Grease. I will try to come to the service on Jan. 20th. Roger, I didn’t know if you knew that my brother, Peter, died of a heart attack a year ago. He and I were back working together and had a small surface mine in Ashford, WV. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Paul Moran 304.552.6241
Derek was always a pleasure to work with during his time at the University of Kentucky. He always had a genuine smile for everyone when he came into the costume shop and was one of our favorite actors to create garments for. While some others would grumble about having to take a costume construction class when they’d rather focus on acting, I remember how enthusiastic Derek was as he stitched something together and learned new embroidery techniques. He seemed to be taking the time to appreciate learning any skill he could and gaining appreciation for those he worked with. He was always eager to help with his classmates’ side projects too. I don’t know why I remember this, but once he ate his lunch in the costume shop and he had a tuna fish sandwich. When he finished, he said he had better go brush his teeth so no one would have to deal with tuna breath. While he was a shining star, he didn’t forget those around him. My condolences to his loved ones.
I am in shock to learn of Dereks passing, May God surround you with peace & comfort during this time!
Gods plans are not our plans! From his other mother (Kim Keeling)
Roger and Sandi,
So very sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandra
Sandi and Roger, Erin and Diana, I was devastated when I saw Derek’s obituary. I am so thankful I had the privilege of meeting all of you and spending time with you in New York when we went to see him perform Grease, and the times I was honored to help him with his taxes etc. He was an amazing young man, so talented, well mannered, handsome and just all around good guy. I was hoping to get to see more of his performances, I hope they are available on video. Again I am so sorry for your loss, I too have lost a young child, and its something you just cant comprehend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My deepest condolences go out to you and your family at this time. Very sad when someone so young passes. He was a shining star who will always shine bright. May God Bless him and keep him, and his memory be eternal
I am so,so sorry for your loss. I absolutely loved your son. We bonded so quickly starring in “The Wedding Singer” in Los Angeles. He became like a brother to me. We were both from the midwest and had that instant connection. My prayers go to all of the family. Know that your son gave so much light and laughter to so many. Much love and prayer,
Kelli Provart
I had the privilege of seeing Derek perform twice as Danny in “Grease,” and he was wonderful. He also gave me and my friend a behind the scenes tour of the theater, and he couldn’t have been any nicer. He will be missed.
Sandi and Roger,
I remember watching Derek as he participated in the Grease tryouts on TV. It was great seeing him do so well. I know how proud you must have been. I cannot imagine how you feel at this loss, but can tell he was highly thought of by all who encountered him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marilyn
Sandi and Roger, I am so very sorry for your loss. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Derek, but know the heartache of losing a son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and may God wrap you in his love and give you his peace.
Such sad news to read on Broadwayworld.com today. It’s always sad to see someone so young and talented have their life cut short. Prayers and thoughts to Derek’s family and friends during this difficult time. The lights of Broadway just got a little dimmer.
He will be truly missed … what a sweet man he was – always made me smile. His friendship was a gift.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Derek is an exceptional human being. I worked with him when “MDQ” came to Los Angeles and he was not only a talented individual, but kind hearted and humble. Sending my love to Roger and Sandi during this difficult time. Derek, you will be missed but never forgotten.
One of my bucket list was to travel to New York to see him in Grease. I did it with my good friend Judy Smith. He was wonderful. May he RIP and may God send his comforter. Prayers
Sandi, my heart is breaking for you and your family. I am in such disbelief that he is gone and can’t imagine what you are going through. Even though I didn’t know him, I’m so glad I was able to go to NY and see one of his performances. He was so talented, handsome, and you could tell he had a heart of gold. We were all so proud of him. I’m praying God will wrap his arms around you and somehow bring you some comfort. I am just so so sorry.
Sandi, I have no words to express my disbelief and sadness for you and your entire family. Please know that I’ll be praying for God to wrap his arms around your family and somehow bring you some comfort. I’m also glad I was able to go to NY and see one of his performances as he was just so talented. I am so so sorry for your loss.
I was Derek’s high school show choir choreographer at Winfield, and took him out to breakfast a few times once he made it in New York City. I will remember him as approachable, friendly, sweet to his fans, and constantly smiling. May he be resting in the arms of Jesus at this very moment, and I am so sorry to all of his family that this has happened. He was a good man… A very good man.
Derek was a shining light. He was a courageous, talented and genuine person with a big heart. He will be forever missed. Prayers for Roger, Sandi, Erin and all who love him.
My friend Kristy Cates new Derek and posted on her Fscebook page of his passing. To his parents and family.. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. I remember seeing him on TV as Danny Zuko!!Hiw talented he is! I am so saddened that he is gone at such a young age! I have two daughters and I know can’t imagine losing them! Know you are in my prayers, Jeanie Scolini Birchelt Just a Mom and Theatre lover
I am so sad and sorry to hear of Derek’s passing!! I had the privilege of seeing him a few times on stage, and the honor of meeting him, as well. He was a lovely young man, with a genuine heart, beautiful smile and enormous talent. My heart and condolences go out to his entire family, and all those who worked with him on stage! He will surely be missed, but always remembered fondly!! <3
Derek was a shining light…everywhere he went. That smile…so warm and genuine! He had a heart for people and encouraged, as well as celebrated, others. He was astronomically talented while being touchingly humble…a combination rarely seen in anyone these days. I loved the long conversations we had about his goals and dreams, gratitude and our shared faith and love for Jesus. I loved playing and singing Johnny Cash songs with him , but even more, I loved hearing him sing one of his own. I loved how he’d show up for a birthday or Christmas so full of joy and giving the biggest hugs ever. I love how he loved his family. I love how he and my daughter,Juliana, bonded from the moment they met on Grease, You re the One That I Want, and how their genuine goodness blessed one another. Derek was one of God’s best…unforgettable!
To Derek’s parents, sweet sister and many loved ones, may our Heavenly Father comfort your hearts in knowing that tides of love for Derek are washing over you.
Many hearts are broken tonight and you’re right, Juliana…this earth will be less bright without him…but Heaven is beaming.
He was an incredible talent with a huge heart. His passing leaves a void but his short time here left us richer as well. He is missed.
I’m very saddened to hear about Derek’s passing. He was a very talented young man. I had the privilege of getting to see him perform in Grease in NYC. Prayers of comfort to Sandi, Roger, Erin, Aunt Diana and all of the family.
RuthAnna Parsons
I am so incredibly sad to hear of the passing of this tremendously talented young man. My granddaughter and I have wonderful memories of seeing him as Fonzie in WVPT presentation of Happy Days. After the show, as was our custom, we sought out him and his co-stars for photos and autographs. I can say that as well as being an extremely gifted performer, he was also a warm and gracious person. My granddaughter still remembers him well many years later. I want to tell his family that I am deeply sorry for their loss. The world has lost an amazing talent.
Roger and Sandi, We are so sorry for your loss. Derek was so talented – a great pride to both of you. God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
My heart is breaking for Derek and his family. I never met Derek but I had the privilege of working with his father Roger in the construction industry. May Derek rest in the peace we all deserve.
Sadly, AL Nicholas
So sorry for your loss. Met Derek and his mom at Bob Evans In Teays Valley.
Saw him in Grease in NYC wring my son and Daughter. We stayed after and chatted with him-he was so sweet and so talented! I taught in PutnamCounty and he was happy to greet a teacher from his home town. He made Putnam County Proud! He was loved by many. Prayers!!
My prayer to God is to wrap his loving and comforting arms around all of Derek’s loved ones. I got to know him, being an active member of the General Admission Boosters. He was so talented and his smile would light up the room. Cheryl Barnett and I took him to dinner after he joined Grease on Broadway and enjoyed hearing about his journey. Derek was much too young to die, but he got to live his dream, which many never get to do. I hope the family can find comfort knowing he is sleeping in heavenly peace. God bless you all.
I believe we share the same great great grandfather. Followed his success and was very proud for his family. The Keeling family is and was a very musical family. So sorry for your loss. Heartfelt prayers to all.
I had the honor of working with Derek in Grease on Broadway. Not only was he incredibly talented, but he was always professional and kind. We shared many laughs playing darts in his dressing room and I felt a special bond with him since we both grew up in West Virginia. My deepest condolences to his entire family. May he rest in peace and may you all find solace during this difficult time.
Roger and Sandi, Our love and sympathy[ are with you at this impossibly difficult time.
I’m praying for Derek’s family. Derek and I went to Mars Hill University together and he was one of my closest friends. I had an opportunity to stay with his family in WV, on my drive cross county, and got to see all the love his family had for one another. Derek was always a positive light in my life. I had the opportunity to reconnect our friendship and spend time with him when we lived in Las Vegas. I also got to see him perform in Million Dollar Quartet a couple of times, and for that I feel extremely blessed. I have always believed in him and his tremendous talent and I feel honored that he had always believed in me. I will miss him but i find peace in knowing he is with the Lord and we will see each other again.
Roger & Sandi my sincere condolences to you & family members of your lost of Derek. These are times it is so hard to understand. The wonderful thing is Derek left the world a better place thru his music. He left his family proud & the unmeasurable love.
Regards,
Shannon
Roger And Sandi , So sorry for the Loss Of Your Son , thinking about watching And voting for Him , when He was on TV , great Singer !
My sincere condolences to the family and friends left behind. I had the honor to attend classes, perform and work with Derek during his time at MHC, and kept in touch with him over the years. I lost touch the last few years and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I don’t know what to say. Sending strength and love to all.
Roger and Sandi
Sandy and I are so sorry for your loss.
Our prayers are with you. Sincerely,
Michael Taylor (Former Maplewood neighbors.)
So sorry for your loss. He was a talented young man.
I, along with countless others, had the joy of sharing the stage with Derek. He was magic. Even in high school he had it. Derek was kind, generous and had a beautiful voice. Im so sorry to hear of his passing. Heavens choir has gained a very special voice.