Tommie Louis Derden, affectionately known as "T.L.," was born on February 18, 1928, to the late Mitchell Derden, Sr. and Mozella Bew Woodall, in Grenada, Mississippi.  He was the oldest of seven children.  His brothers, Ulysses (Bubble) Derden, Mitchell Derden, Jr., Lawrence Derden, Joseph Derden, George Brown, Jr., and sister, Estelle (Derden) Billups, preceded him in death.  He departed this life on July 21, 2023 at the age of 95.

On January 14, 1950, he married Esther Lee (Chamberlain) Derden in Grenada, Mississippi.  They later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where they raised their six children.  Their youngest child, Kenneth C. Derden, preceded their deaths in 2008.  After 59 years of marriage, Esther Lee Derden passed away peacefully in 2009.  In 2012, their grandson, Steven L. Derden, Jr. was called home to be with the Lord.

T.L. was a gold member with 65 years of service with the Labor Union Local #265.  He worked in construction and development, retiring at the age of 62.  Even after retirement, he continued his passion for construction through home projects.  When he wasn't doing home projects, you could find him in his garden or on his porch with a cool beverage and peanuts listening to his radio.  He was nicknamed the "Mayor of Kennedy Heights" by his neighbors, since he was always seen picking up litter to keep the community clean.  T.L. enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandsons.  He was a baseball fanatic with his favorite team being the Cincinnati Reds.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Barbara J. (Derden) Hill; his sons, Tommy L. (Linda), Wayne K., Jeffrey D. (Teresa), Steven L. (Inez) Derden; daughter-in-law, Ruby, all of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren, Damion (Emily) Derden, Yvonne Chambers, Isaiah Derden, Candace Hill, Natasha Taylor (Ronald), Jeffrey B. Derden, Tinia Derden, Imani Derden and Nina Derden; 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren.  He will truly be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

His last words were. "He loved his children. He loved all of his grandchildren and he loved his family.  This family should be about love."

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232.

To share a memory of Tommie or leave a special message for the Derden family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Herbert T. Walker III and Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206)  are  honored to serve the Derden family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.