Derrick Lyndell Thomas

Live life to the fullest

Derrick Lyndell Thomas Sunrise was in Chicago, Illinois Sunday July 16, 1967 at 9:05am 1646 W 13th St, Chicago, IL. Sunset Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 10:50am at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, CA from congestive heart failure. Derrick is survived by his wife, Jamell Baxter, his mother, Joanna Hamric and Stepfather, Kevin Hamric and father by adoption, Melvin Eugene Thomas.  Children, Laderrick Horne, Darron Lavelle Horne, Tara Thomas-Johnson, Janiya Thomas, Joshua Thomas and Jeremiah Thomas. Nine Grandchildren, three brothers and one sister, Deon LaVelle Thomas and Clifton Heard III and Kevin Hamric Jr (stepbrother) and Kristin Kefalos (stepsister), Aunts Earlene Hudson and Penny Ward, Uncles Willie (Bud) Hudson, Derrick Ward, Nine (9) Grandchildren, Seven (7) Nieces, Nephews  and a host of cousins.

Preceded in death maternal Father, Jerry Ward, Grandmothers, Elnora Turner and Arlene Ward and Frances Thomas, Grandfathers James Hampton and Jerry Ward Sr and Willie Thomas., Aunts Olivia Turner and Kimberly Ward, Uncle David Thomas and a host of cousins.

His love for Chicago is what made him a strong and resourceful person. He moved to Arizona and then relocated to San Diego to be closer to his youngest sons: Joshua and Jeremiah. While in San Diego, Derrick was an entrepreneur and fitness instructor. When he wasn't working out, he enjoyed his other passion, horticulture.  He would often talk to his mother and brothers about his “babies” while sitting in his favorite place, his balcony overlooking the ocean. 

Derrick worked on private projects in San Diego and at Legoland in California. Derrick’s passion for plants was inspired by his maternal grandfather, James Hampton, who owned a vegetable and fruit business.

Derrick had an adventurous spirit which led him to settle in a beach town along the coast of Mexico, with his wife, Jamell in 2015. Derrick was a social butterfly. He always listens intently to people, giving advice, and making new friends wherever he goes.  At home, Derrick enjoyed walks on the beach, sharing his diverse knowledge of music, football, and Michael Jordan. He and his younger brother would often go back and forth on who’s the G.O.A.T, Jordan or LeBron as well as Facetiming with his brothers, mother, Popsqualli (Derrick nickname for his Stepfather Kevin and Kevin nickname for Derrick Sonsqualli) and his children.

Derrick’s faith and spirituality were a focus for him.  One of his favorite mantras was from the Book of James, 1:19-20-- "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.”

The legacy Derrick left behind will endure forever through his beloved children, grandchildren, family and friends