Derek Ivan Grimes passed away on January 31, 2024. Derek’s life was all about dedication, achievement, and service.
Derek and his family settled in Hennessey, Oklahoma, in 1971. Derek spent his early years helping out on his dad’s farm while juggling band, choir, and basketball in high school. He was top of his class as the Valedictorian at Hennessey High School in 1984, setting the stage for more success to come.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Oklahoma State University in 1988, Derek married his college sweetheart, Kathy, and headed to law school at the University of Kansas. There, he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1992.
Derek was appointed to the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in October 1992. Commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant, he rose to the rank of Colonel and spent nearly three decades proudly serving his country. During his 28-year distinguished military career, Derek received the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.
After retiring from the military, Derek returned to his Oklahoma roots and became the Chief Operations Officer at Davis Business Law in Enid in December 2020. Under his leadership, the firm expanded to nine law offices across three states.
In honor of his legacy, the Col. Derek Grimes Memorial Highway, designated as SH-51 between SH-132 and Lacey in Kingfisher County, awaits formal dedication by ODOT following the bill’s approval November 1, 2024, ODOT is still working to determine when the signs will be installed.