Derrick McGatha

December 3, 1971 - February 22, 2022

Derrick McGatha, 50, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022 in Joplin, Missouri. Derrick was born December 3, 1971 to Donald McGatha and Dolores Weaver. Derrick earned a bachelor’s degree in General Education and two minors, English and History from Missouri Southern State University in 2016. He was Magna Cum Laude. He worked for Central State Automation as a machinist. Derrick enjoyed black powder guns, blacksmithing, repairing watches and gardening in his spare time. Derrick was united in marriage to Patricia Pennington July 22, 1989 at College Heights Christian Church; she survives. Derrick is survived by his wife, Patricia McGatha of Reeds, Missouri; one son, Silas McGatha of Reeds, Missouri; five daughters, Samantha McGatha of Reeds, Missouri, Anna McGatha of Reeds, Missouri; Brittany Dodge (Ben) of Joplin, Missouri, Elizabeth McGatha of Reeds, Missouri, and Rachel Dunn (Mark) of Joplin, Missouri; two grandchildren, Kurtis Dodge and Naomi Dunn; his parents, Donald McGatha and Dolores Thompson; one brother, Danuel McGatha (Misty); and three sisters, Donna Sprague (Geoff), Dallas McDonald (Lynn), and Donnie Durnell (Gordon). Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2022 at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. Burial will be at Reeds Cemetery in Reeds, Missouri. Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.