Derrick Mario DeLeon

Derrick Mario DeLeon, beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and friend, passed away on August 24, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on March 17, 1965, at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California, Derrick was the son of Mercy Alexandra Beltran and Charles Lafayette Rains. In 1970, he was lovingly adopted by Antonio “Tony” DeLeon, who raised him in Bakersfield. Derrick is survived by his father Tony DeLeon; his daughter Amanda Escobar; his full brother Marc DeLeon; his sister Priscilla Gomez and brother-in-law Moises G. Gomez; his stepfather Jose Sanchez Galeana; his brothers Matthew and Joshua Rains; his sister Kris Decker; his niece and nephews Christopher DeLeon, Patience DeLeon, Cash DeLeon, Lilith Deleon, Andrea Gomez, Jonathan “JoJo” Gomez, and Ashton Christian Gomez; and his uncles Louie Beltran, Frank Beltran, Louie Cruz Beltran, and Robert Beltran. He is also remembered by the extended Beltran, Morin, and DeLeon families, best friends, Bruce Jones, John Azparren, John Alden, as well as countless friends who loved him dearly. Derrick attended Longfellow Elementary, Washington Junior High, and graduated from Bakersfield High School, Class of 1983. Though he spent brief periods in San Diego and later in Van Nuys, California, Bakersfield was always the place he called home. A true rocker at heart, Derrick began guitar lessons at age 12 at Coleman’s Music on Bernard Street (later Rick Davis Music). Music became his life’s passion—he mastered guitar, bass, and piano, and could both read and write music. Inspired by his heroes—KISS, Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Cheap Trick, and many more—Derrick carried the spirit of rock ’n’ roll wherever he went. Later in life, he found joy in karaoke, often rewriting lyrics to make his friends laugh until they cried. His humor, quick wit, and unforgettable laugh could fill a room and lift every heart. Derrick endured the great sorrow of losing his mother, Mercy, in 2020. In the years that followed, he struggled with depression and complications from diabetes. Despite those challenges, his love of music, laughter, and family never wavered. Derrick became a Christian around 2005 and has peace of mind, knowing that he is with his mother, Mercy, and grandmother, Corina Beltran. He was, to his core, a rocker who flew his flag high and proud. Derrick’s life was one of creativity, resilience, and love. He will be remembered not only for his music, but for the immense love he brought to everyone around him. His presence will be deeply missed, yet his song will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He loved us all so much, he drove us Crazy! Celebration of Life for Derrick DeLeon on Saturday, September 13th at Mission Family Mortuaries, 531 California Avenue. Viewing: 10:00 AM Service: 11:30 AM With a reception at Tina Marie’s Downtown Cafe on 19th and Eye Street.

Derrick Mario DeLeon

March 17, 1965 - August 24, 2025

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Derrick Mario DeLeon

March 17, 1965 - August 24, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

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