Derek Christopher Cardwell

Derek Christopher Cardwell, age 43, of Arthur Illinois passed into the loving arms of Jesus peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday, November 5, 2026. Derek was a Knoxville, Tennessee native and was a member of Block Springs Baptist Church in Blaine, Tennessee. He was the son of Danny Lee Cardwell and Robin Long Edwards. He was a graduate of West High School and attended Pellissippi State Community College. Derek worked in sales for many years, but his most prominent position was with HH Gregg where he was recognized nationally, not once but several times, as their number one sales representative.

Above all else, he was a devoted father, son and friend. Nothing topped his love for his children. Though he had been through unimaginable medical hardships, he always believed God still had a special purpose for him not yet fulfilled. He was sure his purpose was being a loving father to his three sons. He was a father that wanted to be present, involved, and protective. He believed in providing his sons with the love and encouragement they needed to find their own paths and he wanted to be connected to the people he loved most.

Derek never met a stranger and was eager to have conversations and genuinely cared about others. When he asked how people were, he was really interested and always tried to lift up others when they needed encouragement. These moments were often filled with laughter and interesting discussions or debates about anything under the sun, and no, he would not 'agree to disagree" but you would often hear him say, "That's Fair." Derek's passion ran deep that way for anyone and anything he cared deeply about. Or he would make you laugh when something wasn't adding up in the world and say, "Ain't that crazy!" and find the humor in it.

The things he cherished most in life were his family, his faith and his friendships. But he loved following his favorite sports teams too...the UT Vols, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Miami Dolphins, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Nothing brought him more joy than a packed living room on game day or a big family gathering where everyone was welcome. The more people the merrier. From the moment he was born he was constantly surrounded by his cousins and being an only child, they became the brothers and sisters he never had.

Derek was kind, funny, witty and positive and had a gift for making people feel better just by being around him. He also had a gift for music and art. He loved sharing his music and creations with others and these were the expressions for his love of life and a reminder of the happiness he found in being with the people that were important to him. He valued his friendships and had a generous and loyal spirit. He was a Christian and was excited when he had the opportunity to share his life's story and testimony to anyone that would listen. He lived a meaningful life, and he truly believed that we were all connected spiritually and felt it was so important to put kindness out into the world to make our time here on earth a better place. Because of his many medical challenges, he appreciated every day to its fullest, as if it were a gift! And you would often hear him say, "That's why they call it the present."

The light of Derek's love will stay with us always and his spirit lives on in those he cherished. Though he will be deeply missed, his life will forever be a celebration through the memories we share and the hearts he touched; remembered for the lasting impact he had on the lives closest to him.

Preceded in death by: Lena Carey, maternal great-grandmother; Bill Joe and Elizabeth (Gearl) Long, maternal grandparents; Ivan E. and Helen McCord, paternal grandparents; Danny Lee Cardwell, father; Johnny Cardwell, uncle; (Charlie) and Dolores Miller, aunt; Donna Sue McCord, aunt; Chucky MIller, cousin; friend, Tony Surrett

Survivors include: Robin Edwards, mother; Larry L. Edwards, step father; Sons: Dominic Knox, Landon Cardwell of Windham, New Hampshire; Danny John Cardwell,and his mom Brittney Cardwell- Arthur, Illinois; God parents, Mike and Susan Claibough, Vicki Gregory, aunt;(Milton) and Diana Cooper, aunt; Thomas Edwards, uncle; Cousins, Chuck Dodson, Shelley Dodson, Brandon Dodson, Casey Miller, Jeremy McCord, Milton Len Cooper, Alvin Cooper, Kimberly Cooper, John Cardwell, Dave Cardwell; friends, Wayne Brown, James Ryan, Jimmy Bostic, Cary Holloway, Radwan Jahami and many other cousins and friends

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the compassionate nursing staff and physicians-at the University of Tennessee Medical Center-Knoxville- Dr. Cynthia Newton, Dr. Urath Suresh, Dr. Bryan Walker; Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center-Knoxville- Dr. Esha Cannon; Eastview Healthcare Center- Sullivan, IL Sarah Bush Lincoln-Mattoon, IL Special appreciation for their exceptional compassionate care with such patience, kindness and love. To our church family at Block Springs Baptist Church for all the prayers and support for our family, To Derek's neighbors, Gattlin Butterick and Caleb Miller, To Derek's roommate, Ed at Eastview Healthcare, and finally to Jeff and Lisa Edwards at Edwards Funeral Home Arcola, IL- Your kindness will always be remembered.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.