Derrick E. Edwards' Obituary
Derrick (Dirky) Edwards
Sunrise April 16, 1969 – Sunset June 20, 2026
Beloved Horseman, Devoted Father, Brother, Partner and Friend to the Racing Community
On June 20, heaven gained an angel and the world lost a truly special man. Derrick was more than a beloved figure in Thoroughbred racing he was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, a caring partner, a loyal brother, and a friend who made everyone around him feel valued. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but the warmth and love he poured into every life he touched will endure forever.
Derrick spent his career as a longtime assistant starter at Laurel Park and Pimlico Racecourse, and in that role, he earned a place in racing history that few can match. He started his career at the Charles Town Races in WV. He was the steady, trusted hand assigned to three Preakness Stakes winners chasing immortality: California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) in 2014, American Pharoah (Pioneer of the Nile) in 2015, and Justify (Scat Daddy) in 2018. When American Pharoah and Justify each went on to claim the Triple Crown, Derrick was there – not in the spotlight, but exactly where he always chose to be, doing his job with quiet excellence and an unshakeable calm that the horses felt and trusted. This past May, he was once again called upon for racing’s biggest stage, handling GI Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (Curlin) at Churchill Downs.
From Pimlico to Saratoga, a meet he loved dearly and attended for many years, to Charles Town Races where he started over 100 races, Derrick was a familiar face and a comforting presence wherever he went. This past summer, an injury he suffered while working a horse in the gate at Laurel Park kept him away from Saratoga for the first time in years -- a sign of just how much that community will feel his absence.
But Derrick’s goodness extended well beyond the race track. He gave his time freely as a volunteer at the Frederick Housing Authority foodbank, because that is simply who he was -- a man who showed up for others without being asked. Those who knew him will tell you the same thing: Derrick had class. He had kindness, and his loyalty to the people he loved never wavered.
He was the proud father of Zachary Edwards (33) and Jaeden Edwards (20), and the proud grandfather of Kayden Edwards (12). He is survived by his sisters Verdeana Lindsey, Donna Faye (James Jones), his brothers David (Alison), Allen (partner Regina), and Henry (Beth). He is also survived by his devoted partner Diana. His large and deeply loving family of nieces and nephews also knew just how special he was. He was preceded in death by his mother and father Mary, David Edwards, Sr., his sister Janice Walker, and brother-in-law Robert (Bo) Lindsey who all, no doubt, welcomed him home.
Derrick made a lasting mark on everyone, fortunate enough to know him. The racing community will miss him at the gate. His family will miss him every single day. And all whose lives he touched will carry a piece of him forward.
Rest easy, Derrick. You ran a beautiful race and are loved.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16**
A Funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at First Mount Olive Baptist Church located at 216 Loudoun Street, SW Leesburg, Virginia 20175 with the Rev. Harold S. Stinger officiating.
The family will receive friends for viewing prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to help defray final expenses at
FundaFamily.com
Online condolences may be made to the family at https://www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
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