In Memory

Derick L. Bluford VIEW PROFILE

Derick L. Bluford

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Derick Lee Bluford (Omaha, Nebraska), born in Sioux City, Iowa, who passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at CHI Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of 58, due to complications from the Covid virus.

Derick Lee Bluford, 58, was born on December 10, 1962 in Sioux City, Iowa. He was the son of Rev./Dr. Grady L. and Dr. Harriet L. (Trosper) Bluford. He had a younger sister, Michelle. He graduated from Sioux City, Iowa North High School in 1981. Derick had a wonderful voice and was active in choir and show choir, and we'll never forget his strong solo at the first Madrigal Dinner. Derick played an amazing trombone in band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band. It was not a surprise that he went on to be a music teacher.

Derick graduated from Morningside College in 1985 with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. His parents instilled in him high standards, and a strong study and work ethic, which he passed on to his students. A favorite Mr. B quote is about the importance of being on time. "To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late. To be late is to be early for tomorrow's practice." His students and colleagues greatly admired him. Throughout his career he served as the Director of Instrumental Music at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in Sioux City, Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa; Del Rapids High School, Viborg High School and Lake Andes Public Schools, all in South Dakota. At the time of his passing, he was employed as an Instrumental Music Educator at Elkhorn Middle School and assisted at Elkhorn High School in the Elkhorn Nebraska Public Schools. Additional employment included the Securitas Security Company and Advanced Automotive in Omaha, Nebraska.

Derick maintained a private instrumental studio and fostered lifelong learning as well as mastery of one's craft. He served as an adjudicator and as a guest clinician for both jazz and concert bands throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. Derick loved Drum Corps International and had the honor of serving as brass instructor for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps.

He was honored to perform with numerous well known instrumental groups throughout his career. Some of these included: The Sioux City Municipal Band, South Dakota Symphony, Bluffs Big Band, Bass Trombone Faculty for the Clark Terry Big Band Jazz Camp, and the Rich Matteson Mile High Jazz Camp.

When he wasn't teaching, Derick enjoyed playing video games, watching cartoons and movies, and following his interest of a diverse plethora of sports. His other passion was working on and rebuilding cars.

Derick was preceded in death by his mother and father, and survived by his sister Dr. Michelle Bluford of Omaha, NE. Other survivors include two aunts and one uncle: Beatrice and Everett Jackson of Tullahoma, Tenn; Verona "Cookie" Trosper of Sioux City, IA, and numerous cousins, colleagues and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers are Henry Larweh, Marvin Larweh, Maynard Larweh, Carter O'Neel, Drew Veomett and McKaylee Houng.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 20th 2021 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Reichmuth Funeral Home - Omaha (21901 W Maple Rd, Elkhorn, NE 68022). A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 20th 2021 at 5:30 PM at the same location.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/234820538/derick-lee-bluford





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