Derwood E. Stakes Jr.

Derwood E. Stakes, Jr., affectionately known as “Speedy”, was born on August 30, 1952 in Orange, Texas. He was the youngest of three children to Mary Lou and Derwood Stakes, Sr. He passed on May 15, 2020 in Port Arthur, Texas.

Speedy graduated from West Orange High School. After graduating from high school, he attended training in the construction craft field. Speedy worked as both certified pipefitter and certified welder, traveling and working throughout the United States. He also worked for the local Pipefitters Union 195 and 198. Speedy worked in the industry for more than thirty years, serving as Pipefitter Foreman upon retirement. After retirement, Speedy enjoyed sitting on his back porch, playing dominoes with his friends, watching a great western movie, listening to the rain, listening to “the blues” music, and making his daily drive to Danny’s Meat Market for his lunch plate. Speedy was devoted to his family, always sacrificing himself to ensure their needs were met. He met and married Sharron Newsome, to this union one child, Lindsey, was born. He was considered a “gentle giant” to all that knew him. He had a kind smile, warm heart and an infectious laugh.

His parents, Mary Lou and Derwood Stakes, Sr., the Mother of Lindsey and Christie, Sharron Stakes, and his brother, Calvin Stakes, Sr., all preceded him in death.

Treasurable and fond memories will remain in the hearts of his daughter, Lindsey Goodwin (Kevin) of Conroe, Texas; stepdaughter, Christie Elmore of Hartford, Connecticut; sister, Bonnie Dickerson (John) of Orange, Texas; 6 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild; his fur babies, Millie and Cooper; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and life-long friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2020, at True Faith Tabernacle Church at 1706 Dupont Dr., Orange, Texas 77630.