[The Frederick Post, Page A-4 Saturday, March 15, 1975 Frederick, MD]
Jofh A. Derr
The community of Frederick City and Frederick County was stunned Friday afternoon when word spread of the unexspected death of Mr. John A. Derr - one of the giants of local politics, government and civic work in the past quarter century.
Mr. Derr suffered a fatal heart attack outside his Rosemont Avenue home about 2 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Funneral arrangements are under the direction of Smith, Fadeley, Keeney and Basford Funeral Home and will be announced later. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Church of the Brethren.
Mr. Derr had served the people of Frederick, Frederick County and Maryland in the positions of deputy clerk of the Circuit Court, Mayor, member of the House of Delegates, State Senator, and County Commissioner, and came under heavy consideration as candidate for governor to succeed the late Theodore R. McKeldin. He also led the State Republican ticket in 1958 when he sought the office Maryland Comptroller.
John Derr was active in many civic endeavors, headed both Red Cross and Community Chest (now United Givers Fund) campaigns, and was an active leader in the Church of the Brethren. A 1929 graduate of Frederick High School, he received a degree at the Brethren Bridgewater College, VA., in 1934, attended the University of Baltimore and New York University.
Mr. Derr was the son of John C. and Laura E. Derr of Morovia, and was born Aug. 2, 1910, in Ballenger District. He was married to Olive B. Brandenburg and they had one daughter Sandra Faye Trout.
Mr. Derr served in the Coast Guard during World War II from June 4, 1942 to October, 1945. He studied law at New York University after the war and completed various law courses at the University of Baltimore.
In 1936 he attained his first public office as deputy cleck of the Circuit Court, a position he held 10 years, for seven until he went in the service 1942, and from l945-47. In l947 he began his long business association with the T. Edgie Russell contracting and general construction firm of Frederick in public relations.
From 1950 to 1954 Mr. Derr was chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Frederick Conty, and after that became chairman of the Sixth Congressional District Republican Committee, comprising all of Western Maryland.
In 1953, emerging as an able political leader and legislative mind, John Derr was appointed by Gov. McKeldin to fill a vacancy in the House of Delegates from Frederick County created by the resignation of Horace M. (Buck) Alexander to become Sheriff. He served out that term, then ran successfully for Mayor of Frederick in 1954.
In 1958 he sought the seat of Comptroller against the popular Louis L. Goldstein and a heavy Demacratic majority. Although unsuccessful, he garnered the largest vote of any Republican on the state-wide ticket.
Four years later he was successful in his election bid for the State Senate, where he served four years until 1966 when he was elected again as mayor of Frederick. Four years later he was elected to the Board of County Commissioners, was then named as its its president, and chase not to run for re-election in the recent elections, stating he had served 25 years, long enough for any man.
Mr. Derr's leadership brought many improvements to city and county, and the modernization and expansion of Frederick Airport was among these accomplishments.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 11, Amvets Post 2, the Elks, Moose, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of Bridgewater College and the Frederick Church of the Brethren.
Regardless of his office, John Derr's constituents always knew where he stood. He was for the Sixes Bridge Dam; against gun controls. He felt housing was Frederick's No.1 problem and was instrumental in the construction of Catoctin View Apartments. He was concerned about solid waste disposal and developed a plan for a low pollution indcinerator for the city to reduce the amount of solid waste substantially to prolong the life of the landfull.
A hard working mayor, Mr. Derr said it was one of the better rewards of the office to be able to work with all the groups in the city by signing proclamations to help them succeed in their community service projects designed to make living in the city better.
His rise in Republican politics was significant and one of his major assignments was as chairman of the county's committee for the election of the Nixon-Agnew ficket in 1968
During his second term as mayor, in July of 1969 during a lengthy youth program in Baker Park, Mayor Derr was stricken and collapsed. But he bounded back and completed his term with vigor, then served a full term as county commissioner. Upon his retirement from active politics he alluded to his good health and desire to enjoy it after leaving politics.
One of his final participations was as toastmaster for last year's annual Republican banquet at Peter Pan Inn, when Rep. Barry Goldwater Jr. was the speaker. When introduced, Mr. Derr was given a rousing ovation, and was commended for directing an outstanding program.
John A. Derr has made lastin contributions to his community, his county and his state. He will forever he in the memory of the people he served.
Jofh A. Derr
The community of Frederick City and Frederick County was stunned Friday afternoon when word spread of the unexspected death of Mr. John A. Derr - one of the giants of local politics, government and civic work in the past quarter century.
Mr. Derr suffered a fatal heart attack outside his Rosemont Avenue home about 2 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Funneral arrangements are under the direction of Smith, Fadeley, Keeney and Basford Funeral Home and will be announced later. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Church of the Brethren.
Mr. Derr had served the people of Frederick, Frederick County and Maryland in the positions of deputy clerk of the Circuit Court, Mayor, member of the House of Delegates, State Senator, and County Commissioner, and came under heavy consideration as candidate for governor to succeed the late Theodore R. McKeldin. He also led the State Republican ticket in 1958 when he sought the office Maryland Comptroller.
John Derr was active in many civic endeavors, headed both Red Cross and Community Chest (now United Givers Fund) campaigns, and was an active leader in the Church of the Brethren. A 1929 graduate of Frederick High School, he received a degree at the Brethren Bridgewater College, VA., in 1934, attended the University of Baltimore and New York University.
Mr. Derr was the son of John C. and Laura E. Derr of Morovia, and was born Aug. 2, 1910, in Ballenger District. He was married to Olive B. Brandenburg and they had one daughter Sandra Faye Trout.
Mr. Derr served in the Coast Guard during World War II from June 4, 1942 to October, 1945. He studied law at New York University after the war and completed various law courses at the University of Baltimore.
In 1936 he attained his first public office as deputy cleck of the Circuit Court, a position he held 10 years, for seven until he went in the service 1942, and from l945-47. In l947 he began his long business association with the T. Edgie Russell contracting and general construction firm of Frederick in public relations.
From 1950 to 1954 Mr. Derr was chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Frederick Conty, and after that became chairman of the Sixth Congressional District Republican Committee, comprising all of Western Maryland.
In 1953, emerging as an able political leader and legislative mind, John Derr was appointed by Gov. McKeldin to fill a vacancy in the House of Delegates from Frederick County created by the resignation of Horace M. (Buck) Alexander to become Sheriff. He served out that term, then ran successfully for Mayor of Frederick in 1954.
In 1958 he sought the seat of Comptroller against the popular Louis L. Goldstein and a heavy Demacratic majority. Although unsuccessful, he garnered the largest vote of any Republican on the state-wide ticket.
Four years later he was successful in his election bid for the State Senate, where he served four years until 1966 when he was elected again as mayor of Frederick. Four years later he was elected to the Board of County Commissioners, was then named as its its president, and chase not to run for re-election in the recent elections, stating he had served 25 years, long enough for any man.
Mr. Derr's leadership brought many improvements to city and county, and the modernization and expansion of Frederick Airport was among these accomplishments.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 11, Amvets Post 2, the Elks, Moose, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of Bridgewater College and the Frederick Church of the Brethren.
Regardless of his office, John Derr's constituents always knew where he stood. He was for the Sixes Bridge Dam; against gun controls. He felt housing was Frederick's No.1 problem and was instrumental in the construction of Catoctin View Apartments. He was concerned about solid waste disposal and developed a plan for a low pollution indcinerator for the city to reduce the amount of solid waste substantially to prolong the life of the landfull.
A hard working mayor, Mr. Derr said it was one of the better rewards of the office to be able to work with all the groups in the city by signing proclamations to help them succeed in their community service projects designed to make living in the city better.
His rise in Republican politics was significant and one of his major assignments was as chairman of the county's committee for the election of the Nixon-Agnew ficket in 1968
During his second term as mayor, in July of 1969 during a lengthy youth program in Baker Park, Mayor Derr was stricken and collapsed. But he bounded back and completed his term with vigor, then served a full term as county commissioner. Upon his retirement from active politics he alluded to his good health and desire to enjoy it after leaving politics.
One of his final participations was as toastmaster for last year's annual Republican banquet at Peter Pan Inn, when Rep. Barry Goldwater Jr. was the speaker. When introduced, Mr. Derr was given a rousing ovation, and was commended for directing an outstanding program.
John A. Derr has made lastin contributions to his community, his county and his state. He will forever he in the memory of the people he served.
[The Frederick Post, Page A-4 Saturday, March 15, 1975 Frederick, MD]
Jofh A. Derr
The community of Frederick City and Frederick County was stunned Friday afternoon when word spread of the unexspected death of Mr. John A. Derr - one of the giants of local politics, government and civic work in the past quarter century.
Mr. Derr suffered a fatal heart attack outside his Rosemont Avenue home about 2 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Funneral arrangements are under the direction of Smith, Fadeley, Keeney and Basford Funeral Home and will be announced later. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Church of the Brethren.
Mr. Derr had served the people of Frederick, Frederick County and Maryland in the positions of deputy clerk of the Circuit Court, Mayor, member of the House of Delegates, State Senator, and County Commissioner, and came under heavy consideration as candidate for governor to succeed the late Theodore R. McKeldin. He also led the State Republican ticket in 1958 when he sought the office Maryland Comptroller.
John Derr was active in many civic endeavors, headed both Red Cross and Community Chest (now United Givers Fund) campaigns, and was an active leader in the Church of the Brethren. A 1929 graduate of Frederick High School, he received a degree at the Brethren Bridgewater College, VA., in 1934, attended the University of Baltimore and New York University.
Mr. Derr was the son of John C. and Laura E. Derr of Morovia, and was born Aug. 2, 1910, in Ballenger District. He was married to Olive B. Brandenburg and they had one daughter Sandra Faye Trout.
Mr. Derr served in the Coast Guard during World War II from June 4, 1942 to October, 1945. He studied law at New York University after the war and completed various law courses at the University of Baltimore.
In 1936 he attained his first public office as deputy cleck of the Circuit Court, a position he held 10 years, for seven until he went in the service 1942, and from l945-47. In l947 he began his long business association with the T. Edgie Russell contracting and general construction firm of Frederick in public relations.
From 1950 to 1954 Mr. Derr was chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Frederick Conty, and after that became chairman of the Sixth Congressional District Republican Committee, comprising all of Western Maryland.
In 1953, emerging as an able political leader and legislative mind, John Derr was appointed by Gov. McKeldin to fill a vacancy in the House of Delegates from Frederick County created by the resignation of Horace M. (Buck) Alexander to become Sheriff. He served out that term, then ran successfully for Mayor of Frederick in 1954.
In 1958 he sought the seat of Comptroller against the popular Louis L. Goldstein and a heavy Demacratic majority. Although unsuccessful, he garnered the largest vote of any Republican on the state-wide ticket.
Four years later he was successful in his election bid for the State Senate, where he served four years until 1966 when he was elected again as mayor of Frederick. Four years later he was elected to the Board of County Commissioners, was then named as its its president, and chase not to run for re-election in the recent elections, stating he had served 25 years, long enough for any man.
Mr. Derr's leadership brought many improvements to city and county, and the modernization and expansion of Frederick Airport was among these accomplishments.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 11, Amvets Post 2, the Elks, Moose, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of Bridgewater College and the Frederick Church of the Brethren.
Regardless of his office, John Derr's constituents always knew where he stood. He was for the Sixes Bridge Dam; against gun controls. He felt housing was Frederick's No.1 problem and was instrumental in the construction of Catoctin View Apartments. He was concerned about solid waste disposal and developed a plan for a low pollution indcinerator for the city to reduce the amount of solid waste substantially to prolong the life of the landfull.
A hard working mayor, Mr. Derr said it was one of the better rewards of the office to be able to work with all the groups in the city by signing proclamations to help them succeed in their community service projects designed to make living in the city better.
His rise in Republican politics was significant and one of his major assignments was as chairman of the county's committee for the election of the Nixon-Agnew ficket in 1968
During his second term as mayor, in July of 1969 during a lengthy youth program in Baker Park, Mayor Derr was stricken and collapsed. But he bounded back and completed his term with vigor, then served a full term as county commissioner. Upon his retirement from active politics he alluded to his good health and desire to enjoy it after leaving politics.
One of his final participations was as toastmaster for last year's annual Republican banquet at Peter Pan Inn, when Rep. Barry Goldwater Jr. was the speaker. When introduced, Mr. Derr was given a rousing ovation, and was commended for directing an outstanding program.
John A. Derr has made lastin contributions to his community, his county and his state. He will forever he in the memory of the people he served.
Jofh A. Derr
The community of Frederick City and Frederick County was stunned Friday afternoon when word spread of the unexspected death of Mr. John A. Derr - one of the giants of local politics, government and civic work in the past quarter century.
Mr. Derr suffered a fatal heart attack outside his Rosemont Avenue home about 2 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Funneral arrangements are under the direction of Smith, Fadeley, Keeney and Basford Funeral Home and will be announced later. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Church of the Brethren.
Mr. Derr had served the people of Frederick, Frederick County and Maryland in the positions of deputy clerk of the Circuit Court, Mayor, member of the House of Delegates, State Senator, and County Commissioner, and came under heavy consideration as candidate for governor to succeed the late Theodore R. McKeldin. He also led the State Republican ticket in 1958 when he sought the office Maryland Comptroller.
John Derr was active in many civic endeavors, headed both Red Cross and Community Chest (now United Givers Fund) campaigns, and was an active leader in the Church of the Brethren. A 1929 graduate of Frederick High School, he received a degree at the Brethren Bridgewater College, VA., in 1934, attended the University of Baltimore and New York University.
Mr. Derr was the son of John C. and Laura E. Derr of Morovia, and was born Aug. 2, 1910, in Ballenger District. He was married to Olive B. Brandenburg and they had one daughter Sandra Faye Trout.
Mr. Derr served in the Coast Guard during World War II from June 4, 1942 to October, 1945. He studied law at New York University after the war and completed various law courses at the University of Baltimore.
In 1936 he attained his first public office as deputy cleck of the Circuit Court, a position he held 10 years, for seven until he went in the service 1942, and from l945-47. In l947 he began his long business association with the T. Edgie Russell contracting and general construction firm of Frederick in public relations.
From 1950 to 1954 Mr. Derr was chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Frederick Conty, and after that became chairman of the Sixth Congressional District Republican Committee, comprising all of Western Maryland.
In 1953, emerging as an able political leader and legislative mind, John Derr was appointed by Gov. McKeldin to fill a vacancy in the House of Delegates from Frederick County created by the resignation of Horace M. (Buck) Alexander to become Sheriff. He served out that term, then ran successfully for Mayor of Frederick in 1954.
In 1958 he sought the seat of Comptroller against the popular Louis L. Goldstein and a heavy Demacratic majority. Although unsuccessful, he garnered the largest vote of any Republican on the state-wide ticket.
Four years later he was successful in his election bid for the State Senate, where he served four years until 1966 when he was elected again as mayor of Frederick. Four years later he was elected to the Board of County Commissioners, was then named as its its president, and chase not to run for re-election in the recent elections, stating he had served 25 years, long enough for any man.
Mr. Derr's leadership brought many improvements to city and county, and the modernization and expansion of Frederick Airport was among these accomplishments.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 11, Amvets Post 2, the Elks, Moose, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of Bridgewater College and the Frederick Church of the Brethren.
Regardless of his office, John Derr's constituents always knew where he stood. He was for the Sixes Bridge Dam; against gun controls. He felt housing was Frederick's No.1 problem and was instrumental in the construction of Catoctin View Apartments. He was concerned about solid waste disposal and developed a plan for a low pollution indcinerator for the city to reduce the amount of solid waste substantially to prolong the life of the landfull.
A hard working mayor, Mr. Derr said it was one of the better rewards of the office to be able to work with all the groups in the city by signing proclamations to help them succeed in their community service projects designed to make living in the city better.
His rise in Republican politics was significant and one of his major assignments was as chairman of the county's committee for the election of the Nixon-Agnew ficket in 1968
During his second term as mayor, in July of 1969 during a lengthy youth program in Baker Park, Mayor Derr was stricken and collapsed. But he bounded back and completed his term with vigor, then served a full term as county commissioner. Upon his retirement from active politics he alluded to his good health and desire to enjoy it after leaving politics.
One of his final participations was as toastmaster for last year's annual Republican banquet at Peter Pan Inn, when Rep. Barry Goldwater Jr. was the speaker. When introduced, Mr. Derr was given a rousing ovation, and was commended for directing an outstanding program.
John A. Derr has made lastin contributions to his community, his county and his state. He will forever he in the memory of the people he served.
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