Derek Smith

Derrick A. Smith

October 10, 1978 ~ April 17, 2024 (age 45)

Derrick A. Smith, Sr., age 45, travelled to the spirit world on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Thief River Falls, MN.

Derrick was born on October 10, 1978 in Bemidji, MN to Beverly Smith and Albert Benais Jr. He worked at the Thief River Falls Casino. Derrick was always willing to help anyone in need and will be remembered as a comedian and jokester. He loved Jonny Cash music, enjoyed partaking in the "Devil's Lettuce" and partied hard. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings: Theresa (Patrick) Smith, Berta (Edward) Benaise, Sharon (Darrell) Smith, Ellenrose (Kyle) Benaise, Amanda (Stephane) Thomas, Brittany Thomas, Anita Benais, Eli (Brittany) Benais, Albert Benais III, Darcy (Donna) Benais; special friend, Mary Barrett; special mom, Merceline White; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Those greeting him in the spirit world are: his parents, Beverly Smith and Albert Benais Jr.; sons: Derrick Smith Jr and Cedric Smith; brother, Allen Smith; grandparents: Delores Smith, Herbert Smith Sr., Josephine Benais, Albert Benais Sr.

The wake will begin at 2PM on Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Little Rock Community Center in Little Rock and continue until the service at 1PM on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, with Father John Christianson officiating. Active pallbearers will be: Anthony Smith, Darian Smith, Noah Jones, Eli Benaise, Patrick Hill, Myron Benais, Kyle Cloud, Corey Bedeau and alternates: Kyle Hardy Sr and William Mountain III. Honorary Pallbearers will be Derrick's Family and Friends. Burial will be at the Smith Family Burial Grounds in Little Rock. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack.