Derek Dover

Derek Jason Dover, age 55, died February 6, 2018, following a long battle with cancer. Born November 9, 1961, in Gadsden, AL, he is the son of Kathryn Dover of Rainbow City, AL.
Derek graduated from Southside High School, earned an Associate’s degree from Gadsden State Community College, a Bachelor’s degree from Salem State College, and a Masters degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. Derek had been employed as a correctional officer at St. Clair County Correctional Facility for more than 20 years. After his time with the Alabama Department of Corrections, he worked at Fayetteville Technical Community College, and later became the Criminal Justice program director at Miller-Motte College in Fayetteville, NC.
Derek loved the Lord and his family very much. He enjoyed studying crime and also coin collecting. Derek never met a stranger and was loved by all. He was always thoughtful, friendly and encouraging to those around him.
Derek was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Dover of Rainbow City, AL. He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Dover of Grand Junction, CO; a son, Jeremy Wade Dover, of Gadsden, AL; a daughter, Melinda (Lee) Amberson, of Grand Junction, CO; his mother Kathryn Dover of Rainbow City, AL; three sisters, Vicki Pittman, Cynthia Turner, and Tina (Jimmy) Strain. Two grandchildren, Steven and Samantha Amberson, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be February 18, 2018 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden, AL. Friends and family gathering will begin at 1pm, followed by a service at 2pm,  inurnment  will take place at Rainbow Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice Care Center, 3090 N. 12th St, Grand Junction, CO 81506.