Derek Joseph Glassman

Derek Glassman, 35, son, brother, husband, father, friend to all, left this earth way too early. He went to be with his Lord on March 16, 2026, in Benkelman, NE. He came into this world in Oakley, KS, October 20, 1990, fast and furious…he lived the same way. Derek was a genuine guy, the kind of person who made everyone around him feel like they mattered.

Derek attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and Oakley High School, graduating with the tiny but mighty class of 2009. He went on to Fort Hays State University, where he earned what he liked to call a degree in partying. He met the love of his life, Sadie, in 2012, but she resisted his charm until 2013 when he asked her out “one last time”…and she finally said yes! The two built a beautiful life together. They welcomed their first daughter, Ronnie Josephine, in June 2016 and married in November 2017. Their family was made complete when Evie Lyn arrived in August 2019. Those three girls were his entire world and he was theirs.

Derek joined the Mittens Family in 2017 as a Bulk Truck Driver, where he found his true calling. He loved his job and was honored to serve his customers, who were like family to him. The Mittens Family thought so much of him that they special ordered the very first flat billed Mittens hat…just for him. He was so excited about that hat!

Anyone who knew D, or "D-Rock" as many called him, knew that he never met a stranger. He always had time for a conversation, always greeted you with a hug, and would help anyone with anything, no questions asked. His heart was big and his door was always open.

Above all else, Derek loved his girls. When he wasn't busy being a devoted husband and father, you could find him out on his Harley, cracking open Busch Lattes with his buddies, fishing with loved ones, or shopping around for his next ride. He also loved his Chiefs football and his KU basketball. He was an active member of the Oakley Christian Church, the Oakley Trap Club, and the Oakley Bowling League, always finding ways to stay connected to the community he loved.

Those called home before him include, his Grammy, Carolyn Denchfield; his grandparents Marvin and Eileen Glassman; and his uncle, Floyd Dinkel.

Derek is remembered by his wife, Sadie; his daughters, Ronnie Josephine and Evie Lyn; his parents, David and Wendy; his sister, Allison and Oree Klein; his brother Ethan; his Grampy, Keith Denchfield. Sadie’s parents, Scott and Malissa Walton, Amy Walton and Paul Meyer, Sadie’s brother, Zachary and Blair Krska. His nieces and nephews Oren, Joyce, Hattie, Weston, Kase, Ava; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation is 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Oakley Christian Church, Oakley, KS. The funeral service is at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Oakley Christian Church (the nursery will be available for the service) with burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Oakley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Derek Glassman Memorial Fund for the education of his daughters. They were his world and he was theirs. Memorials may be mailed to The Bank, 225 Center Ave., Oakley, KS 67748 or Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.

Derek lived with a full heart and an open hand, and we take comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the arms of his Lord. He left this world far too soon, but the love he gave so freely will carry on in everyone who knew him.

The family would like to thank the community for the outpouring of love and support you have shown us over the last week. Derek touched so many lives, and your kindness during this time has meant more than words can say.

The family requests causal dress and if you have a favorite flannel please wear it.