Derek David Ramsey, 25, of Economy, died Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born in Richmond on September 20, 1987, the son of David and Susi Ramsey.

Derek was a 2006 graduate of Hagerstown High School, was in the Eli program at Earlham College and was a People to People Student Ambassador in 2005. After joining the US Navy, he was assigned to the USS Elrod from 2006 to 2010, leaving the service as a BM3/E4, and remained close to many of his shipmates. Derek obtained an associate degree from Wyotech. He was working at Belden through Manpower.

Survivors include his parents, David Ramsey (Linda) of Economy and Susi Gage (Doug) of Englewood, OH; Charles and Melinda Ramsey, who were grandparents as well as "Derek's second parents"; sons: Owen Ramsey and Bentley Fletcher, both of Economy; grandparents Sharon Hardesty and Donna Seniour, both of Richmond, Barry and Linda Lloyd of TN, Dan and Bonnie Gage of Fort Wayne; siblings, Heather Lunsford (Brett) of Boston, IN, Dylan Wright of Centerville and Chris Wright of Economy; aunts and uncles, Carrie and Greg Dillman of Gastonia, NC, Cris and Robbie White of Economy, Gary Blackwell of Richmond, Lee Blackwell (Theresa Eversole) of Richmond, Michelle Chamness of Richmond; several very close cousins; nieces and nephews;

In addition to family: Owen Ramsey's mother, Cheyanne Fletcher; best friends and 'brothers', Andy Stamper, Chris Million, and Tim Wysong as well as many other close and special friends, as Derek never met a stranger and would do anything to help anybody..

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Larry Hardesty, great-grandparents, Rosemary and Richard Stegall, Marion and Larry Kruse; great-great-grandparents, William and Lillian Sasser, Florence and Ernest Stegall and a great-uncle, Rich Stegall.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 P.M. Sunday. Services will be at 5:00 P.M. Sunday, August 4, at Culberson Funeral Home. Pastor Adam Rinehart will officiate, with military honors by American Legion Post 333, accompanied by some of his USS Elrod shipmates.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Richmond Fire Department; Wayne County Sheriff's Department, the Care Flight crew and the Miami Valley trauma team for all of their assistance at the time of and following Derek's accident.

They also ask that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the

"Owen J. Ramsey Donation Account" at any US Bank which has been established for his future education.