Derek Reed Thompson

Derek Reed Thompson passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2015 in Littleton, Colorado at the age of 31. Derek survived by his parents, Dave and Michelle Cottrell, of Lakewood; Loving father of Ethan Reed Thompson, of Denver; brother if Chris (Shannon) Thompson, of Lakewood, Jennifer (Seth) Holmes, of Westminster; Uncle to: Braeden and Payton Thompson; Hailey and Michael Holmes. Derek had many Aunts and Uncles, and numerous cousins. Fellow brothers and sisters from the United States Air Force 20th Security Forces Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, and the Arapahoe County Sheriff†™s Office are among the loved ones Derek was honored to serve with. Derek was born on March 1, 1983 in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Edgewater, CO in 2001, where he was very active in student government, as well as being a stand out athlete in multiple sports. After high school, Derek enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was assigned to the 20th Security Forces Squadron at Shaw Air Force base. Derek Served honorably and was retired from the Air Force in 2004. He then set his sights in becoming a member within the law enforcement community and in 2008 he graduated from the Arapahoe County Sheriff†™s Office Academy. While a deputy for the ACSO, Derek was trained to handle critical incidents, and was CIT certified. He was a proud member if the Special Intervention Unit, the RISE program, and was honored to be in the ACSO Honor Guard. Derek was a generous individual who loved to help others and who was passionate about helping those in need. He was a gentle giant. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2015 from 5-8pm at Aspen Mortuary. 1350 Simms St. Lakewood. A funeral is scheduled for Thursday March 5, 2015 10:00am at St. Andrews United Methodist Church 9203 South University Blvd., with a reception to follow. Interment will follow reception at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Honors will be provided by U.S. Air Force Honor Guard from Buckley Air Force Base and assisted with the Arapahoe County Sheriff†™s Department.