Derek C. Defender

Derek Chandler Defender, 27, of Pierre, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, at his home in Pierre, leaving us shattered in a million pieces.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. MDT, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in the Morrison Family Cemetery, Takini. Wake services will be 6:00 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2025, at the church with a procession from the 4-Mile at 4:00 p.m.

Derek was born two months premature on May 23, 1998, in Eagle Butte, SD, to Leslie Morrison and Larry George Defender. Derek had a strong faith in Jesus, and he knew he was saved by the grace of God.

He is survived by his mother, Leslie Veit; stepdad, Harold “Pete” Veit; biological father, Larry “George” Defender; siblings: Megan Noisy Hawk, Lawrence, Chantelle, and LaShonda Defender, Apollo Veit, Jonathon, and Jesse; half-sister, Lindsey Defender; children, Xavier Defender and Jasmine Hairy Shirt; aunt, Mary Defender; nephew, Zuko Noisy Hawk; nieces, Azula Noisy Hawk and Loretta LaRoche; cousins: Kane Knife, Curi and Lance Whiteman, Joseph Marrowbone and family, Wynette and Mercedes Black Crow and family; special family: Lynelle and Brian Caldwell and family, Ron and Mina Caldwell, Jesseca Boyer Halverson and family, Joey Boyer, Barbara Morrison and family, Beverly Morrison and family, Lee and family, Ruby and family, Opal and Mark Fire Cloud and family, Audie Morrison, Jamie Brave Eagle and family, Kathy Morrison and son Sky Hale, Gene Morrison Sr. and family, Casey Morrison.

Derek is preceded in death by grandparents: James and Amelia Morrison, Raymond and Margie Defender; cousins, Paula Marrowbone and Chelsea; uncles: Michael, Joel, and Marion Morrison, Donald and Earl Defender; siblings, LeAnn Joss Defender and James Switter; brother-in-law, Wesley Noisy Hawk; cousin, Germaine Morrison; grandma, Gertrude Black Crow; and great grandpa, Emerson Red Bull.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Derek’s arrangements.