Derek Franklin Ireland, of Harrison, Arkansas passed away Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 42.

He was born October 14, 1978 in St. Joseph, Missouri.  He was raised in the General Assembly and the Church of the First Born.  He had worked in construction and had spent the last 11 years working at FedEx, most recently as a transportation planner.

Derek loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed golfing, camping, kayaking, hiking and riding his motorcycle.  He also enjoyed listening to music and going to music and art festivals.  He adored his children and loved spending time with them.  He was proud to be a dad and proud of his children.  Derek was a selfless and very unique individual.  He was a jokester and very humorous.  He loved his family and he was loved by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by a grandfather, Vernon Eddings and a grandmother, Jane Joffee.

Derek is survived by his four children, Dameon Ireland, Brayden Ireland, Bailey Ireland, and Abraham Ireland; his father, Ralph Ireland; his mother, Sheryll Ireland; his siblings, April Irvin (Jeremy), Camille Ireland, Elizabeth Morrison, Cheyenne Ireland (Brittany), Amber Ireland and Kara Ireland; his special friend, Harley Schult; the mother of his children, Brandy Ireland; 16 nieces and nephews and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Funeral service will be at 2 PM, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Coffman Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Heath Kirkpatrick officiating.  Burial will follow at Carver Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 PM - 7 PM at the funeral home.  Masks are required.

Pallbearers are Dameon Ireland, Brayden Ireland, Abraham Ireland, Cheyenne Ireland, Jeremy Irvin, Bruce Eddings and Bryan Eddings.

Honorary pallbearers are Bryan Rule, Dameon Cooper and The Brethren of the General Assembly and the Church of the First Born and the Nurses and Staff of the Cardiovascular ICU of Mercy Hospital.

On-line condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com .