In Memory of Derek

In Memory of Derek Nehrbass 

You were an easy smile, a boisterous laugh,
And fast friends with everyone you met. 

A memorial service for Derek will be held at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, on Wednesday, June 7. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 PM, followed by a mass.

Welcome to In Memory of Derek Nehrbass

This site is dedicated to the life and lasting memory of a dear friend, dedicated father, and brilliant artistic light.

Derek had a talent for creating a safe, loving space wherever he happened to be, and we’d like this to be that for those of us who loved him. Pull up a chair, rest your heart, head, and feet, and know that you’re always welcome here.

You can learn more about our approach and services, and we will make sure you get the best funeral ceremony.

Ways You Can Help

Contribute to Heather & Dougie

Derek is survived by Dougie and his mom, Heather. A fund is being created by the family, blood and bond, to help them out. If you can swing it, a GoFundMe has been created for them, and anything helps. If not, no worries. Scroll down a bit and leave us a memory or two to nourish the heart and soul, just as important, so Dougie can know his dad. 

Share A Memory

While each of us is a collection of stories, building a grand novel in the time we’re given, there are some rare few who are both repository and inspiration, around whom fantastic experiences seem to spring forth more readily. Derek was, through choice and circumstance, one of those folx. His open-hearted acceptance of people as they were, full of love, and rarely judgment, left all of us who knew him with a tale or two.

As stories are the way we live on after we pass from the world, we’d like to create a place here to put memories of Derek, be they stories, pictures, art, anything that moves you and connects you to him, so that he can carry on not just in each of our hearts, but in all of them. Thanks, so much, for leaving your mark here about the mark he left on you.

Support and Care

One of the most beautiful things to come of all of has been watching the vast network of lives Derek touched come together in support of him, his family, and each other. In moments like these, more than most, it’s important to remember that, no matter how we feel, we’re never alone, and never a burden on the world, or the people in it. Let’s keep looking after one another, checking in, and reaching out, when we need it, as we all do, now and then. Every one of us is enough, and none of us are ever too much. 

Our Goal

Our goal is to provide as much support as possible to the family as they go through this difficult time.

1982 – 2023

Derek Nehrbass’s passing on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Martin & Castille Funeral Home- Downtown in Lafayette, LA.

We Remember Derek Nehrbass

Obituary & Poem

 
Derek Bowen Nehrbass
June 18, 1982 – May 20, 2023

Derek Bowen Nehrbass died on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the age of 40, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was an adoring father, an artist with the heart of a poet, and a beloved friend to all who were lucky enough to be drawn into his orbit. 

Derek was born on June 18, 1982 in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he attended Cathedral-Carmel Elementary School and graduated from St. Thomas More Catholic High School. He studied at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of New Orleans.

He delighted in the Acadian French traditions of his hometown including the annual Mardi Gras festivities, local Cajun music, and spicy gumbos. In 2001 he moved to New Orleans, where he could often be found with friends in the library or in a bar deep into the wee hours of the night discussing Jean Paul Sartre, Anselm Kiefer or Thomas Pynchon while scratching out drawings on napkins scattered throughout the Crescent City. 

Thrilled to become a father, he cherished every moment with his son. Derek’s kindness, gentle nature, warm smile and easy laugh endeared him to everyone he met. His memory will live on through his work and radiate throughout the constellation of those that knew him, a light visible far beyond his lifetime. Derek was, and will always be, greatly loved.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jennifer Stuller Nehrbass; his sister, Amanda Elizabeth Nehrbass; paternal grandmother, Peggy Dufour Nehrbass Gossen; paternal grandfather, Judge Douglas J. Nehrbass, Sr. and his wife, Joy Pope; maternal grandparents, Dr. Gilbert Fitch Stuller, II and Alma Bowen Stuller; uncles, Walter Bowen Stuller, and Gilbert Fitch Stuller, III.

He is survived by his father, Douglas J. Nehrbass, Jr., wife Debbie Cutler, and Heather Ashley Pickett, mother of his son, Douglas J. Nehrbass, III. 

Other survivors include many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Christopher Stephens, Casey Tatham, Thaddeus Meyers, Chris Boyne, Anthony Cuccia, Michael Meagher, Jr., Jerrad Edwards, Brandon Ott, Bob Borel, Shane Attaway, and Eddie Burke. 

For Derek:

You were in deep conversations at 4 a.m.

Whispered in the soft light of the library.

You were music and stars and thoughts

Bigger than we were, out on the roof.

You were the scent of old books and coffee,

And the quick, quiet scratch of a pen on paper,

Driven by a burning talent,

Tucked away from the world

For fear of being seen.

You were loved.

You were an easy smile, a boisterous laugh,

And fast friends with everyone you met.

You were gentle hands and strong shoulders

That carried more weight than most could bear.

You were kindness and grace,

A beacon shining in the night

Leading the lost back to home.

You struggled to see through the darkness.

You were love.

You were, love.

You were.

You will always be.

– By Zachariah Hebert

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the academic fund of Derek’s son, Douglass J. Nehrbass, III to:  

Martin and Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette, Louisiana has been chosen to help with the
forthcoming arrangements. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com.

Have Questions? Get in touch!

Email

inmemoryofdereknehrbass@gmail.com

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention