Derrick Michael Applon

Derrick Michael Applon



Derrick Michael Applon was born on September 29, 1993 to proud parents, Michael and Amanda Applon. He attended the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD from Pre-K until graduating in 2012 from L.D. Bell High School. Derrick continued his educational journey with Texas Wesleyan University, graduating in December 2017 with a Bachelors in Business Administration with a focus in Business, Finance and Management and was currently enrolled in the Masters Business Administration program at Texas Wesleyan.



While attending L.D. Bell, he was the Captain of the Varsity Basketball team and performed with the Honors Choir. He also played basketball briefly with Texas Wesleyan and learned how to play piano, an accomplishment in which he was extremely proud. During college, Derrick worked at Texas Star and Reata restaurants, sparking the dream of working in the supply chain industry. Shortly after graduation, that dream became a reality as Derrick began his professional career with Pei Wei’s corporate office as a Supply Chain Specialist.



Derrick will be fondly remembered for his beautiful spirit, million-dollar smile, quirky personality, infectious laugh, love for food and zest for life. He was extremely disciplined and accomplished every goal he set his mind to. He was an avid traveler who was always planning for the next destination. In 2016, he visited Kenya on a mission trip, catapulting his desire to return one day. Derrick loved his family beyond words and never missed an opportunity to demonstrate it, especially with his parents and siblings.



During his brief 24 years in this world, he touched countless lives by walking in the light of the God he served. From an early age, he was known as the consummate gentleman - always regarding others more than himself. Servant leadership came naturally to Derrick - whether on a basketball court, classroom, on the job, with strangers, friends or family, his priority was always to ensure every need was met. Derrick’s philosophy in life was; there was always more to do, to accomplish, to conquer, to esteem towards.



His death on August 28, 2018, shattered the hearts of many around the globe, igniting a call to action to Live Like Derrick by fulfilling his life’s passion of serving others and loving unselfishly. He believed every person deserved to be invested in and he did so effortlessly. He consistently modeled the love of his Savior, unapologetically.



Left to carry on his legacy: Devoted Parents, Michael and Amanda, Beloved Siblings, Pheobe and Elijah, Cherished Grandparents and Great-Grandparents: John Ronald Applon (Felisa), Margaret Applon, Billy Salmeron (Marie), Yolanda Rivera, Ferdie Malveaux, Sarah Bertrand and Lovera Applon. Cherished Aunts & Uncles: W. C. and Octavia Myles, Angela Martinez, Adrian and Sherri Rosas and Sam Graham. Beloved cousins: Jovan Menacho, Andria Myles, Wesley Myles, Ysabel Rosas, Rojeen Nasseri, Colton Collins, Shelby Graham, Isaiah Myles, Nathaniel Myles, Stetson Graham, Leah Rosas, Caseton Graham and Krosslyn Graham. A host of extended family includes aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, numerous life-long friends and God-daughter, Alaina Houston.