SAVANNAH, Ga. – Derek D. Kyes passed away on March 14, 2022. Born in Waterville on June 26, 1975, first son of Dennis R. Kyes and Penny Perkins Kyes Denis of Skowhegan and Embden.He was raised and educated in Skowhegan, graduating with honors from Skowhegan Area High School in 1993. Following high school, Derek attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence R.I., graduating in 1995 with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. He worked in several local restaurants, eventually starting his own business, Derek’s Deli, in his hometown. Following a stint as a chef (and part time ski-bum) in South Lake Tahoe, Derek switched career paths and enrolled in the Electrical Design program at KVCC in Shawmut. He moved to Savannah, Ga., where he found tremendous professional success as an electrical designer for Gulfstream Aerospace, where he worked for over a decade, until his death. He was predeceased by his grandparents Della and Ernest Kyes, and Donald and Doris Perkins.He is survived by his wife Erika; stepson, Xzavior; his mom and dad; brother, Timothy and wife Mary; his goddaughter Poppy J. Kyes and her brothers Owen, Leo and Aidan; also stepsiblings Danielle, Paul and Marc Denis and their spouses and children; as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins.Derek easily made friends wherever he lived. He will be remembered and missed by them all.A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday May 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Heritage House Restaurant, 182 Madison Ave. Skowhegan. Please consider honoring Derek’s memory with an act of kindness and generosity, as that was his way.

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