Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park

111 East Circle Street

Avon Park, Florida

UPCOMING SERVICE

Memorial Service

Oct. 16, 2025

5:00 p.m.

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park

Send Flowers

Derek Goudge Obituary

DEREK ALLEN GOUDGE Captain Derek Allen Goudge USN (Ret) was born October 16, 1950, to Frederic and Rogene (Goldammer) Goudge. He passed away September 14, 2025, in Sebring, Florida. Derek retired in 2003 after 30 years in the Navy as a Diver, EOD and Supply Corps officer, serving another 17 years as a Navy Pacific Fleet strategic logistics planner at Pearl Harbor. Derek considered Honolulu his home, living there for 30 years, until his health brought him to Florida his last year to be near family. He taught classes at the University of Hawaii. Derek officiated at many college and high school track meets there. He also belonged to the Hash House Harriers and Farber's Flyers running clubs and the Hawaii Harlequins rugby club. Services will be held October 16, 2025, at the Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home in Avon Park, FL. Interment will be October 17, 2025, at the Sarasota, FL National Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Advertiser on Oct. 12, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Derek Goudge

Oct

16

Memorial service

5:00 p.m.

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park

111 East Circle Street, Avon Park, FL 33825

Oct

17

Burial

10:00 a.m.

Sarasota National Cemetery

9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

Funeral services provided by:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park

111 East Circle Street, Avon Park, FL 33825

Memories and Condolences
for Derek Goudge

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Sarge Means

Earlier today

I met Derek in 1975 when I was stationed in Hawaii with the Army. He introduced me to the Hash House Harriers and the Harlequin rugby team, and thus began a long-time relationship. My wife and I returned with the Army, 1991-1994, at which time we had deja vu with Derek. Over the years, when he came to the mainland and visited close to us, we always arranged a get together. It was old times, with a few beers to accompany the walk down memory Good, good memories.

Jerry Johnson

Earlier today

Derek was a high school classmate, teammate and most of all a good friend. I have many great memories, he will be missed!
My deepest condolences to the family.

Mac McMorrow

October 13, 2025

We served together in the Naval Reserve. I was one of his COs. We ran together in the Hash. He was a good friend and was always value gained when we were together. Rest in peace Derek. Captain Mac sends.

Lonnie Schuchard

October 11, 2025

Derek was a high school and college classmate and good friend; sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family.

Rich Bales

October 10, 2025

Always a good friend and someone who could be relied upon. Derek had a great sense of humor, was very accomplished, but never let his core midwestern roots be forgotten.

Rich Brown

October 10, 2025

Derek was my classmate, teammate, and friend. Great guy who had a fantastic life. Very sad that he's gone.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Derek Goudge's name

How to support Derek's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Derek Goudge's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more