Our hero, our protector, our rock. Life without you will never be the same and our hearts are completely broken. We are fortunate to have had you on this earth for 38 short years - what we would give to have you for only one more day. All that knew you were privileged, and some were blessed to become your friend. You were truly one-of-a kind. We love you our son, husband, father, son-in-law, brother in-law, uncle, cousin, friend.
Derek Ryan Chambers was tragically taken from us in a car accident while traveling for work on February 25, 2018. Derek was born in Richmond, IN on July 9th, 1979 to Joseph and Glenna (Thompson) Chambers. Derek was a loving husband to his wife, Julie (Vecera) and a devoted father to his children Victoria, Brayden and Ali. He was the best son, husband, and dad in the world and he had such a generous and giving spirit. Derek was honest and trustworthy. Whether you wanted to hear it or not, you knew Derek was telling you the truth. He was a hard worker, and always challenged himself to grow and be the best at anything he did, be it Crossfit, weight-training, Rucking, teaching, selling, coaching, or mentoring. If he wanted to do something, he learned everything he could and put his whole heart into it to be the best at it. There were no half way performances. He completed several GoRuck events and was planning an event in Washington, D.C in May. He’s gotten several friends (perhaps reluctantly!) to compete in events as well. Derek made you want to be a better you.
He was determined, unwavering and a great motivator. He was a great provider to his family. He coached several sports teams for his kids and taught them there was no such thing as luck, only hard work and dedication. He was a brave, determined risk-taker, and strongminded. He was currently involved in a few investment opportunities, and it was quickly becoming a passion. His entrepreneurial mind was always busy, always planning.
He loved to read and was always learning. He always had a good story to tell and loved a good beer, BBQ and relaxing with his family by the pool. He was a great poker player, had a wicked sense of humor and you always knew he was in the room. Derek wasn’t the life of the party, he was the party. He was a little loud, a little uncouth and funny as hell. He welcomed everyone into our home, and went out of his way to make sure they were comfortable. He loved to tease his kids and their friends and they enjoyed egging him on and teasing right back. Derek was an avid sports fan and loved baseball, football, and basketball. His favorites to watch were IU Basketball and the Dallas Cowboys. He was the go to “phone a friend” for anything sports related. However, his favorite thing in the world was watching his kids play, compete, and perform. From baseball games, soccer games, cheer events, volleyball, basketball, football, choir performances – he made the time and loved every second.
Derek graduated from Centerville High School, Class of 1997. Derek was always an entrepreneur. He started his own companies as young as a teenager, mowing yards and eventually painting. He formerly worked at Amcast in Richmond, IN and Color-Box, in Richmond IN, while always having some sort of money making plan and side jobs, including house flipping. He met his wife Julie at Color-Box, and after their marriage on June 21, 2003, he pursued his dream and began running his own painting company full time while also taking a full college class load. After much coaxing from his father-in-law, he moved with his family from Indiana to Arlington, Texas in June 2009. Here, he and Julie started TexPro Painters, Inc. and he grew it into a multimillion-dollar company that was featured as a 2014 inductee of Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies in the United States. All the while, continuing his education. Ultimately, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University in Business Administration in May 2012. In July 2014, after long discussions and thinking, Derek sold the company to Paul Cook of Painters USA and the two companies became one. Derek had decided he wanted to focus more on his passion which was sales. He could sell like no one you’ve ever met. People loved him, trusted him, and knew that he genuinely cared for their best interest. After being Regional Manager, and top salesman for 2 years, he was able to transition to Senior Sales Representative position for the Texas region. He earned many awards through his years at Painters USA including salesman of the month (Many Times) and set a Painters USA Revenue record two years in a row. Derek was certified as a NACE 1 Certified Coating Inspector. He had many longtime and new clients in the DFW and Texas area that appreciated his no nonsense straightforward approach to solving their commercial and industrial painting needs. He was a great team leader, never hesitated, and put his heart and soul into the company.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Lula Chambers and Bill and Elizabeth Thompson and aunt Sarah Chambers Drook, all of Richmond, IN.
Survivors include his wife Julie, his children Victoria, Brayden, Ali and fur babies Roxy and Champ, of Arlington, TX; his parents, Joe and Glenna Chambers, of Richmond, IN; his sister, Angie Buckland (Matthew) of Prague, Czech Republic; his mother-in-law, Brenda Vecera, of Eaton OH; his father-in-law, Sonny Vecera, of Grand Prairie, TX; sisters-in-law, Staci Paust (Marc) of Scottsdale, AZ and Angel Vecera of Eaton, OH. Nieces and Nephews: Courtney, Hannah, Dylan, Andrew, Christopher, Kyeleigh, Grant, Gracie, Pierce and Kingston. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.