Derek was born on May 30,1951 in Saint Louis, MO to the late Edgar and Laura Dunlap. Derek was the oldest of four children and he was preceded in death by two of his siblings, Dache’ and Chavez Dunlap.

Derek was educated in the Saint Louis Public Schools and graduated from Charles Sumner High School in 1969. He furthered his education by attending Lincoln University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business, furthering his education to be a certified teacher for Saint Louis Public Schools. To add to his many talents, Derek also did construction with his friend Grayland Owens.

Early in Derek’s life, he was titled Golden Glove Light Weight Boxing Champ at the age of 13. Derek had a million-dollar personality that made you laugh just by him laughing. Derek saw the truth and reality of each situation and he had a niche for being fashionable and a social lite.

Derek leaves behind two beautiful children, Derek and India Dunlap of St. louis, MO; three granddaughters, Jaida, Kaci, and Chelsea; one sister, Melody Dunlap of Chicago, IL.; one Aunt, Marjorie Wills of St. louis, Mo and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

The family of Derek Dunlap would like to give a special thanks to Attorney Booker Shaw of St. Louis, Mo for always being a devoted friend and brother to Derek. We cannot express enough, how grateful we are to you for always showing your love and dedication to Derek throughout your friendship. We love you!