Derrick G. "Bubba" Mendenhall

Derrick G. "Bubba" Mendenhall, 41, of Tucson, AZ, formerly of Lancaster County, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Triscia Mendenhall, with whom he enjoyed a loving relationship.

Born in Chester County, PA, Derrick was the son of Paul Mendenhall of The Villages, FL and Inis Touch of Summerfield, FL.

After graduating from Octorara High School in 1988 Derrick was very proud to serve his country, in the US Air Force. Most notably, Derrick served as a Medic in Iraq, where he truly felt his calling to help others was being fulfilled.

One of the things that Derrick loved was being an EMT, the highlight of that time was when he helped deliver a baby in an ambulance.

Another area where Derrick's heart of gold shone through was his compassion for those with special needs, in particular the time he spent caring for one of his best friends in high school, who suffered from muscular dystrophy. With a servant's heart, Derrick was most happy helping others, as was evident throughout his life.

He is survived, in addition to his wife and parents, by his brother and sister-in-law Darin and Hollie Mendenhall, a niece, Kara Bethany Mendenhall, of Lancaster, PA, and an extensive family of aunts, uncles, and cousins that loved him and remember him fondly. He is also survived by his three cats, Moses, Boots, and Friendcat.

Private services will be held at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Derrick's memory to any local branch of the ASPCA, www.aspca.org/donate or to Operation Homefront www.operationhomefront.net

Online condolences may be respectfully posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com