Derek Van Smith

Mr. Derek Van Smith, age 60, of Salem, passed away Friday, November 5 at Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany.

Mr. Smith was born September 17, 1961, in Connersville, Indiana the son of Dennis Larry Smith and Audrey Lucille Wagers Smith.

Derek was the former principal and a current teacher at Salem High School. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Connersville.

On the last Saturday in July of 1988, Derek married Shelli Cox. He is survived by his wife Shelli Smith of Salem, a brother:  Dudley Smith (Kerrie) of Richmond, Indiana, three nieces:  Abby Howard (Tim) of Connersville, Lydia Ervin (Nick) of Richmond, Indiana, and Megan James of Jacksonville, Florida, a nephew:  Adam Smith (Mikayla) of Connersville, and three great- nephews:  Branson, Sawyer, and Owen, and one great-niece:  Presley.

Derek loved his family, students, and athletes and was known as the “voice of the Salem Lions”.

A memorial service will be held Friday at 6:00PM in the Salem High School main gym. Doors will open at 4:00PM. The memorial service will also be live on Weathers Funeral Home Facebook page and available for viewing after the services as well. In lieu of flowers and plants, Shelli asks that memorial donations be made to the Washington County Community Foundation, 1707 N. Shelby St. Salem, Indiana.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Salem Community School family, parents of students, and the people of Washington County for their care and prayers during this time. A special thanks also to Baptist East Cancer Center and Baptist Health Floyd ICU.