Melvin I. Derrickson 1911-1970

DERRICKSON, SMITH, HARRIS

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/22/2011 at 23:12:38

Crash Kills Estherville Man
An Estherville man was killed early Sunday [September 27, 1970] in a three-car collision at the intersection of Central Avenue and 9th St.

Melvin Derrickson, 59, owner of the Derrickson Transport Company, was killed when he allegedly drove through a flashing red light and was hit by two cars headed east of Central Avenue.

Derrickson’s wife, Maytha, is reported in good condition at Holy Family Hospital after suffering multiple fractures and cuts in the accident.

Darrel D. Kueker, 22, of Estherville, driver of the second car, was treated for minor injuries at Holy Family Hospital and released.

Occupants of the third car, Ronald M. Peterson, 20, of Estherville and James Wempe, suffered minor cuts and bruises.

Derrickson was born Sept. 24, 1911, in Emmetsburg.

He married Maytha Smith at Estherville in 1935 [1936] and worked in the truck transport business in Graettinger until 1946, when he moved to Estherville. There he owned and operated the Derrickson Transport company.

Survivors are his wife, Maytha Derrickson; one son, Robert Derrickson, Spencer; two sisters, Mrs. Emmet (Luella) Harris of Graettinger and Mrs. Hilton (Bessie) Harris, also of Graettinger.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Services will be at 2 o’clock Wednesday at the Reese-Henry Funeral Chapel with the Rev. G. O. St. Lawrence officiating. Burial is in the East Side Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Reese-Henry Funeral Home at Estherville after 9 Tuesday morning. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, September 28, 1970)