Donald K. Derrow

Donald K. Derrow of Punta Gorda passed away July 25, 2009. He was the son of Gerald and Esther Derrow, born February 27, 1937 in Ft. Wayne, IN. After serving for 3 years in the US Army, he became a member of the Indiana State Council of Carpenters. In 1972 he joined the Ft. Wayne Fire Department where he attained the rank of Captain. After 26 years of service as a firefighter, he retired to Punta Gorda, FL in 1998. Don always said, "Being a firefighter is the greatest job in the world." Don is survived by his loving partner, Barbara Porter; sons, Scott and Randall of Indianapolis; siblings, Marian, Gerald, Robert, David, and Marie; 5 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Kristy, and brother, Paul. Services are private, burial will be in Florida National Cemetery. The family requests memorial donations be made to 500 for Life, 6105 Blue Stone Road, Loft #421, Atlanta, GA 30328 (www.500forLife.org) to help provide thermal imagers for fire departments. To express condolences to the family, please visit sign the online guest book.