May 23, 1998 – October 17, 2025
Derek Chandler Defender, 27, of Pierre, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, at his home.
Funeral services were on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. Burial followed in the Morrison Family Cemetery, Takini.
Derek was born two months premature on May 23, 1998, in Eagle Butte to Leslie Morrison and Larry George Defender. Derek had a strong faith in Jesus, and he knew he was saved by the grace of God.
He is survived by his mother, Leslie Veit; stepdad, Harold “Pete” Veit; biological father, Larry “George” Defender; siblings: Megan Noisy Hawk, Lawrence, Chantelle, and LaShonda Defender, Apollo Veit, Jonathon, and Jesse; half-sister, Lindsey Defender; children Xavier Defender and Jasmine Hairy Shirt; aunt Mary Defender; and many other relatives.
Derek is preceded in death by grandparents: James and Amelia Morrison, Raymond and Margie Defender; cousins, Paula Marrowbone and Chelsea; uncles: Michael, Joel, and Marion Morrison, Donald and Earl Defender; siblings, LeAnn Joss Defender and James Switter; brother-in-law Wesley Noisy Hawk; cousin Germaine Morrison; grandma Gertrude Black Crow; and greatgrandpa, Emerson Red Bull.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.