Derek Andrew Tidwell

Derek Andrew Tidwell, age 38, died Friday, January 23, 2026, at his home in Bertrand, MO of a heart attack.

Born March 25, 1987, at Sikeston, MO, to Carl Joe Tidwell and Mary Hazel Lawrence and had lived in the Sikeston area most of his life and was a 2005 graduate of Sikeston High School. Derek had been employed as a mechanic and in electrical work and also as a worker with the Department of Mental Health.  Derek was currently employed with Advantage Home Care, working one on one with people who are challenged with mental disabilities.

Derek had a big heart and was willing to help anyone in need. He had a variety of interests including music, skateboarding, video games, wrestling, working on stereos and cars. He especially loved the outside and riding dirt bikes with his sister and spending time with his kids and playing with his dog daughter, Princess.

Surviving is his special girlfriend, Sarah Eftink, of the home; his daughter, Madisyn Tidwell of Sikeston and his son, Paxton Tidwell of the home; his mother and stepfather, Mary and Steven Lawrence of New Madrid; his father, Carl Joe Tidwell; his sister, Hannah Tidwell of Sikeston; his grandmother, Jessie Tyra of Sikeston; a special cousin he loved like a brother, Josh Riley; his beloved dog, Princess and several other cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Robert Hazel, aunts, uncles and cousins and his grandmother, Louise Tidwell

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the funeral hour at noon, Monday, February 2, 2026, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston. Gene Lancaster and Cory Godsey will officiate.

Because of inclement weather, the interment will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston.

Pallbearers will be Josh Riley, Jackson Riley, Dylan Riley, Kyle McElwain, Michael Tidwell and Mark McElwain.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.