Edwin Albert Derrich, Jr.

Edwin (“Ed”) Albert Derrich, Jr. of Matagorda, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on February 26, 2025, at the age of 82. “Gramps,” as his six grandkids and four great grandkids knew him, was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather with a quick laugh and ready smile. He shared his life with the love of his life, Mary Ann Wendt Derrich, who he married in 1962. Through his life’s work, a 55-year career in public education as a teacher, coach, administrator and school board trustee, “Coach Derrich” touched the lives of countless students across Texas.

Ed was born February 16, 1943, in El Campo to the late Edwin Derrich, Sr. and Annastazie Stavinoha Derrich. He attended St. Phillip’s Catholic School in El Campo and is a graduate of El Campo High School and the University of Houston. After graduating, he began his coaching and teaching career in Edinburgh before moving back to El Campo, and then in 1969 moved to Columbia High School in West Columbia, where he stayed until 2003. After 10 years at CHS, he became Head Football Coach and Athletic Director and led the Roughnecks to district championships in 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1987, when he also coached the team to the state 4A Quarterfinals. In 2017, Coach Derrich was inducted into the CHS Athletic Booster Hall of Honor. 

Although he left coaching in 1993, he continued building his educational legacy as an assistant principal at West Columbia Jr. High and CHS and principal at West Brazos Jr. High. He officially retired in 2003 but went on to serve as interim superintendent/principal at Matagorda ISD and later President of the Matagorda ISD Board of Trustees.

Ed’s dedication to his community also included 24 years officiating at the Texas State Track Meet in Austin, active membership in Rotary International, serving as 1987-1988 President of the West Columbia chapter, and founding membership in the Matagorda chapter of the Lion’s Club. Ed was also actively involved in his local Catholic parish throughout his life.

Above all, Ed enjoyed being with his family, with whom he shared his love of football and the outdoors. He leaves his family with many happy memories, whether fishing, hunting, playing around at the beach, or just enjoying time spent together. And though his family knows it well, many others may not know that Ed played the harmonica, which he called the French harp. 

 He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann; children Wendy Whitt (Tim), Deanna Hudgeons (Randy) and Paul Derrich (Kay); grandchildren Jacob Whitt, Travis White, Zachary Whitt (Cally), Nathan Hudgeons, Hannah Kruppa, Hayden Derrich and McKenzie Derrich; great grandchildren Derrich, Nolan, Wimberly and Shephard Whitt; sister Etheline Sanders; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Annastazie Derrich, and his sister Delores Greer.

Visitation will be at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, 634 S. Columbia Dr., West Columbia, TX on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and praying of the rosary will begin at 6:30 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 1:30 pm at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 807 Loggins Dr, West Columbia, TX, followed by a graveside service at 4:00 pm Holy Cross Memorial Park, 1615 Mechanic St., El Campo, TX. A reception celebrating Ed’s life will be held after the burial at 4:30 pm at Danevang Community Hall, 357 County Road 426, Danevang, TX.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Whitt, Zachary Whitt, Nathan Hudgeons, Hayden Derrich, Travis White, Dale Wisnieski, Chris Wisnieski, and Clint Leopold. Honorary pallbearers will be Hannah Kruppa, McKenzie Derrich, and Cally Whitt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Holy Rosary Catholic School in Rosenberg, St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School in El Campo, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School in Richwood, and/or Holy Cross Catholic School in Bay City.