Derrick Marsia Houston, Jr.

Derrick Marsia "Phat Man" Houston, Jr., age 15 of Indianapolis passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at his school bus stop waiting to go to school. Derrick was sadly and suddenly taken from this world due to gun violence, which was something he was working with a group at his school to prevent. He was born January 15, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital, which set by the water in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the son of Derrick Marsia Houston Sr. and Shannika L. Davis. Derrick was a member of the class of 2026 at Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis, where he was a straight A student. At school, Derrick was always a member of the honor roll, middle school football team and currently the high school football team. He was a member of the 21st Century Scholars program and had accepted a summer job at Via the Café.

Derrick not only excelled scholarly and athletically, but he also enjoyed playing virtual reality games, video games and watching movies. He liked to work on cars with his dad, dance with his mom and spend time with his family and friends.

Derrick was a kid who loved on everyone and made it his daily goal to put a smile on anyone's face he came across. He was loving, kind, considerate and loved playing jokes on his sister and friends. He was a big fan of spending time with his family and friends, as he was always trying to do something creative with his time. He loved taking trips and was planning to go to South Korea with his mom and sister in October for a family vacation.

From the time he was born, his smile was the light in every room. "My son was the life of the party and the star of the show. He had dreams of becoming an auto mechanic and owning his own automotive repair shop. As a child he would always tell me, Mama I'm gonna be something one day and when I can I'm going to make sure I take care of you, my sister and my dad."

Derrick is survived by his parents; 2 sisters, Lanara Shanae-Marie Houston and Mahiya Damaria Houston; grandparents, Sheila C. Davis, Tommie Lee Smith, Jr., and Virginia Hale; uncle, Terry Davis; and numerous friends.

Derrick is preceded in death by his grandfather, Larry Houston, Sr.; grandmother, Denis Broadway; uncle, Kayvon Richardson; and little brother, Der'myiss J. Dirden.

A visitation service honoring Derrick's life, which was taken far too soon, will be held from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions at 925 E. Hanna Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227.

Following the visitation there will be a repass held from 2:00 – 7:00 pm on Saturday at the Moose Lodge 17, 7055 E 16th Indianapolis, Indiana, 46219.

Please continue to keep Derrick's family in your thoughts and prayers during these trying and difficult times.