Derek Jordan Knowling

Derek Jordan Knowling, 31, of Roachdale, passed away Friday, June 23, 2016.

Derek was born Dec. 2, 1984 in Danville to Catherine (Fischer) and Toby Knowling.

On June 26, 2010 he married his longtime sweetheart, Kimberly Zaring. They have been blessed with two children, Kendall and Benjamin.

Derek began his education at the Roachdale Preschool. While at Roachdale Elementary in third grade he was nominated and selected to attend Purdue University's Gifted Program and studied architecture. While there his class was filmed for a documentary from Taiwan.

During his senior year of high school he was voted FFA president.

Derek graduated from North Putnam High School. He then continued his education at Vincennes University where he studied surveying. While at Vincennes University he pledged to Sigma Pi fraternity where he held many offices.

He began working at the Roachdale Gun Club at the age of 13. With some practice it was clear he had a gift. Derek is a four-event National Champion Trap Shooter.

He was a member of the Roachdale Christian Church, ATA, NRA and Ducks Unlimited.

Derek loved the outdoors. One of his dreams was to become the manager of the Gun Club, which he achieved in 2015 for a five-year term.

He began working as a land surveyor in 2006.

He is survived by his wife Kim; children Kendall and Benjamin; his parents; sisters Ashley Asher and fiance Drew Dawson, and Katie and Jay Burdine, all of Roachdale; grandparents Herbert and Bonnie Fischer, of Barnard; and several nieces and nephews.

Derek was preceded in death by grandparents, Theodore and Vera Knowling, aunt Rita Fischer Tinch and uncles Patrick Joseph Fischer and Theodore Knowling.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Roachdale Christian Church, 1 N. Walnut St., Roachdale, with Pastor Braden Etchison officiating.

Burial will follow at Roachdale Cemetery.

Public visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at the church.

Memorial contributions in Derek's memory may be made to Roachdale Christian Church or the Roachdale Gun Club.

You may visit www.serviesmorgan.com where you may leave an online condolence for the family.

Servies and Morgan Funeral Home, Roachdale, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.