Derwood Ericson was born June 1, 1924 in Hawarden, IA to parents Albin and Anna Ericson. He died October 13, 2014 at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Hawarden, IA at the age of 90 years, 4 months and 12 days. Derwood graduated from Hawarden High School. He married Ramona Wilson on September 16, 1945 in Alcester, SD. The couple farmed in the Big Springs area and lived there until 2008 when they moved into Alcester. Derwood also worked part time for 20 years with the ASCS office in Elk Point and for 25 years as an insurance agent with Union Farm Mutual Insurance. In 2013 they moved to Hawarden where Derwood has resided until the present time. Derwood was a member of Big Springs Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and his church family and was a faithful servant there many years. Derwood and Ramona enjoyed traveling. They took a family vacation every year and traveled extensively in the United States. In 1970 they literally took a trip around the world visiting several countries. Derwood had a desire for learning and was interested in South Dakota history, local archaeology, airplanes and airshows and was an avid reader. He was a devoted family man and cherished his time with Ramona, his children and his grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Myrtle Newman and her husband Charles, his brother Russell and his wife Laurine and his brother Cecil and his wife Phyllis. He is survived by his wife Ramona, Hawarden; daughter Sheryl Wetzel and her husband Alan of Vero Beach, FL; son Barry Ericson and his wife Julie of Windsor Heights, IA; his grandson Tim Wetzel; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, October 17 at Big Springs Baptist Church with burial to follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.