Joseph Leslie Derleth

Joseph “Joe” Leslie Derleth, 72 of Dover, Missouri passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at home.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Lexington United Methodist Church, 1211 S. Bus. Hwy 13, Lexington, MO, 64067. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Terry Derleth, for a charity to be decided at a later date. Memories of Joe and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South St., Lexington, MO, 64067, 660-259-2245.

Joe was born on July 1, 1953, in Carrollton, MO to Joseph Leslie and Grace Elizabeth (James) Derleth. He graduated from Lexington High School in Lexington, MO. After high school, Joe enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Army National Guard, until being honorably discharged. On November 3, 1973, Joe was united in marriage to Terry Lynn Osman in Dover, MO. Joe worked at S&K Industries as a woodworker for 19 years and retired from Cargill in Marshall, MO after 26 years of service. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Joe enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR, and collected and repaired vintage fans.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Terry Derleth of Dover, MO; three children, Christina (Ken) Orf of Olathe, KS, Jamie (Steve) Crabtree of Lexington, MO, and Joseph “Joey” Derleth of Lexington, MO; eight grandchildren, Quinten Orf, Sean Derleth, Aubrie Derleth, Cayden Crabtree, Jaxon Crabtree, Derrick Derleth, Trayce Derleth, and Ricki Derleth; two great grandchildren, Maverick Derleth and Kynlee Stein; two sisters, Pat Jenkins of Higginsville, MO and Jan Shuster of Blackburn, MO; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Roncelli; and two brothers, Bobby Derleth and Richard Derleth.