Derek L. Ditmore

Derek L. Ditmore, of Topeka, passed away on February 26, 2025, at 62 years old. Derek was born in Santa Maria, California on September 7, 1962, to Lynne Fesler and Terrill (Terry) Ditmore. Derek grew up and attended school in California on the Central Coast and in the Central Valley.

Derek moved to Topeka in 1984. He received his CNA and took courses through Washburn Tech. He met his first wife, Edwina Ditmore, in 1985 and they were married in 1986. They had three daughters, Rebecca, Jessica, and Michelle. He met his current partner, Carol McCartney, in 1997. Together, they fostered over 20 children and have retained a familial relationship with many of them. Carol and Derek adopted their daughter, Danielle, in 2012 and their son, Darrel Easton, in 2013.

Derek worked for many years at Dillons and was employed by the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library at the time of his passing.

Derek is survived by his partner, Carol McCartney of Topeka; his mother, Lynne Fesler (Myron Battles) of Santa Maria, CA; his siblings, Debbie Ditmore Wyrick (Fred T. Wyrick) of Oceano, CA, Vicki Ditmore of Santa Maria, CA, and Mark Ditmore of Grover Beach, CA; his daughters, Rebecca Westphal (Gary Westphal) of Topeka, KS, Jessica Heck (Travis Heck) of Tulsa, OK, Michelle Ditmore of Topeka, KS, and Danielle Ditmore of Topeka, KS; his son, Darrel Easton Ditmore of Topeka, KS; four grandchildren, Johanna, Owen, Oliver, and Elliott; and bonus children, Faith Collins and Hunter Breaux.

A memorial service for Derek will be held at Grace Point Church, 5400 SW Huntoon, in Topeka, Kansas 66604 on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00 am, with lunch to follow. Flowers and donations can be sent to Grace Point Church.