Derek Tidwell Memorial

Derek Andrew Tidwell, age 38, died Friday, January 23, 2026, at his home in Bertrand, MO of a heart attack.

Born March 25, 1987, at Sikeston, MO, to Carl Joe Tidwell and Mary Hazel Lawrence and had lived in the Sikeston area most of his life and was a 2005 graduate of Sikeston High School. Derek had been employed as a mechanic and in electrical work and also as a worker with the Department of Mental Health.  Derek was currently employed with Advantage Home Care, working one on one with people who are challenged with mental disabilities.

Derek had a big heart and was willing to help anyone in need. He had a variety of interests including music, skateboarding, video games, wrestling, working on stereos and cars. He especially loved the outside and riding dirt bikes with his sister and spending time with his kids and playing with his dog daughter, Princess.

Surviving is his special girlfriend, Sarah Eftink, of the home; his daughter, Madisyn Tidwell of Sikeston and his son, Paxton Tidwell of the home; his mother and stepfather, Mary and Steven Lawrence of New Madrid; his father, Carl Joe Tidwell; his sister, Hannah Tidwell of Sikeston; his grandmother, Jessie Tyra of Sikeston; a special cousin he loved like a brother, Josh Riley; his beloved dog, Princess and several other cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Robert Hazel, aunts, uncles and cousins and his grandmother, Louise Tidwell

Derek Bio

I did not get the privilege to meet Derek, but hearing the stories from Mary and Hannah, and from stories read online, Derek was as Sarah’s aunt put it a bright light in their lives.

He was so proud of his kids, Madison, Paxton, and his Dog Princess. He was protective of his sister Hannah and he was the first one to hold his baby sister. And even got to name her- Mary wanted to name the baby Madison but Derek knew a girl in his grade named Madison and told his mom that kids in school make fun of her name, Mary asked Derek what do you think your sister should be called? And that’s when he said Hannah- irony is that he later called his first child Madyson.

Derek was passionate about a lot of things, cars, sports, skateboarding, music, but one of his favorite things was riding dirt bikes. He did this from an early age. But loved it the most when he was taking Hannah his sister on rides, and the times him and his cousin Josh would jump the dirt bike, and from some of the stories I heard were even over each other.

Scripture TEXT

The passage that has given the family comfort in these days comes out of Luke 23. Its the crucifixion, Where Jesus is on the cross. We will look at that text today, and the Romans road.

Luke 23:32–33 “Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.”

Luke 23:34–39 “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!””

Luke 23:40–43 “But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.””

Derek Knew His condition- when he was in a bad wreck and was in the hospital in St. Louis and was on life support- He knew God spared him for another chance- He took that opportunity and believed in Jesus as his savior and was later baptized. I want to look how we can know today how to be sure we are prepared for our eternity.

WE must know our condition

WE are sinners- Just like the Thief we need forgiveness- we need to know our wrong doing

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Penalty For our Sins

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God’s LOVE

Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Receiving Salvation

Romans 10:9 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Result of Believing

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”