Levi W Derby, 25

Army Private First Class Levi W Derby, born May of 1981, of Cissna Park, Illinois, beloved son of Judy and step-father, Danny; beloved brother of Holly, Heather, Joshua and Matt; beloved husband and father.

Levi attended and excelled at Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Illinois. He graduated with two scholarships to college, but wanted to join the Army instead.

Levi deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, serving in Operation Anaconda. He was a combat Engineer attached to the 10th Mountain Division and carried the M249 in his squad.

While in Afghanistan, Levi witnessed a young girl killed by a IED that was missed during a sweep. This would torment his mind for the rest of his life. Each night he would wake from seeing this happen over and over till the very last day of his life.

Levi loved children, he had a big heart and gentle soul. As a teenager, he would walk the floor with a crying child to comfort them till they would fall asleep. He loved his step-father Danny and he considered him his father. Levi loved his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children. His greatest love was his wife and son, as they were all he ever wanted out of life. They were his dream come true. He also enjoyed driving and racing his1986 IROC.

PFC Levi W Derby lost his battle with PTS, April 5, 2007. He was 25 years old.