Derek James Besgrove, 43, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly due to a medical emergency on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

He was born on December 5, 1981, to James and Kathy (Kovesdi) Besgrove.

Derek began pursuing the love of his life, Erin Morrissey, as far back as elementary school. After years of missed chances and persistence, their lives finally aligned, and they were married on August 5, 2009. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, welcoming Bryce, Aubree, and Maya.

Family was Derek's world. He was a devoted husband and a passionate father who poured his heart into providing for and guiding his loved ones. His love, presence, and dedication shaped the foundation of their lives and will remain with them always. One of his strengths was his ability to plan and strategize ways to set up his children for success and opportunity in every area of their lives. His devotion to their future knew no limits.

Derek was an extremely passionate person, and that passion spilled into every corner of his life. He was a natural leader, someone who made things happen, stepped up in times of need, and was always ready to support his family and community. He had a special gift for connecting with people. He was quick to sense someone's energy, understand their humor, and meet them where they were. Derek had a unique ability to connect deeply with others and make them feel truly seen and understood.

He was fiercely protective of his family, a steadfast guardian whose sisters often joked that no boy stood a chance of getting past him on the phone. Despite his seriousness and deep sense of responsibility, Derek was also the fun uncle. He brought laughter and joy to every gathering, effortlessly balancing wisdom with wit. He was known for having the last word, and more often than not, it was the best one.

As a young boy, Derek stood on the sidelines with his dad, where a lifelong love of sports began to form. He went on to have a storied sports career, and his athletic accomplishments were many. He earned First Team All-Ohio honors in football at Clay. To this day, he holds the national NAIA collegiate career rushing record with 5,738 yards. He also holds the Walsh career touchdown record with 71 touchdowns. After graduating from Walsh University, he was inducted into both the Clay High School Hall of Fame and the Walsh University Hall of Fame.

Outside of his time on the field, Derek built a strong and steady career at Cenovus, formerly BP, where he worked for 19 years. His reliability, drive, and leadership made him a respected presence among his colleagues, qualities he carried into every area of life.

Derek was shaped by many influential coaches throughout his athletic journey. Their guidance helped mold him into not only a standout athlete but also a natural coach and mentor. Despite his impressive accomplishments, Derek never sought the spotlight for himself; instead, he found joy in shining it on others. That selflessness, paired with the discipline, commitment, relentless drive, and focus that defined him, became the foundation of his coaching philosophy.

He carried the lessons of his mentors forward with pride, coaching every sport his children participated in and investing deeply in their development—and that of every athlete he coached—both on and off the field. Always bringing energy, encouragement, and heart to every practice and game.

One of Derek's greatest joys was coaching alongside his dad, a full-circle moment that meant the world to them both. After years of standing by his father's side as a young athlete, Derek eventually had the honor of switching roles and having his dad serve as his assistant coach at Fassett and Clay. It was a testament to their shared love of the game and the deep bond they had built through it.

Derek's fierce devotion and passion, both on and off the field, are what he will forever be remembered for. He lived with purpose, heart, and humility. He was driven by a desire to give his best to the people and causes he cared about. A saying that resonated with him was, "It's not about being perfect, it's about being better today than you were yesterday." He also believed in focusing on what could be controlled and often reminded those around him to "control the controllables." That steady wisdom, lived out in words and actions, will continue to guide those who knew and loved him. His legacy lives not only in the memories he leaves behind but in the example he set: to show up with integrity, lead with love, and keep moving forward.

Those who will forever hold Derek in their hearts include his wife, Erin; children, Bryce, Aubree, and Maya; parents, Jim and Kathy Besgrove; sisters, Ashlee Pax and Kendyll (Chaz) Bobbs; parents-in-law, Bob and Patty Morrissey; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (John) Berryman, Kaddie Morrissey, and Darah Morrissey; and aunt and uncle, Joe and Robin Kovesdi. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Derek was preceded in death by grandparents, Joseph and Dorothy Kovesdi, and Frederick "Bill" and Dorothy Besgrove; uncles, Richard Besgrove and Robert Kovesdi; sister-in-law, Katie Morrissey; brothers-in-law, Max and Ben Morrissey; and special godmother, Barb Shellhammer.

The family will receive friends at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Road, Millbury, Ohio, 43447, on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 1:00 to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, outdoors at Clay Memorial Stadium, 5665 Seaman Road, Oregon, Ohio, beginning at 4:00 pm. Guests are welcome to arrive at the stadium starting at 3:30 pm. As school will be in session earlier in the day, we kindly ask that no one arrive before that time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Derek may be directed to:

Derek Besgrove Memorial Fund

Croghan Colonial Bank

4157 Navarre Ave. Oregon, OH 43616

Or online via https://gofund.me/0160f6d6