Derek was born December 9, 1973, in St. Petersburg, Florida and resided in the Dallas area from 1985-2014. He recently celebrated his 40th birthday before passing away on January 4, 2014, after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Dayton, his maternal grandparents, George J. and Bertha A. Fink, and his paternal grandparents, Robert G. and Jean R. Dayton. He is survived by his mother, Joyce A. Dayton, his uncle and aunt, Gerald J. and Mary Ann Fink, of Fishers, Indiana, and his uncle, Leo B. Fink, of St. Petersburg, Florida.Derek enjoyed playing soccer; he also played the trumpet as a member of the Desoto High School Eagles band. He graduated from DeSoto High School and attended the University of North Texas and the Art Institute of Colorado.As a child he loved performing magic tricks for the family; later his interests included snowboarding and playing the guitar. Derek was a talented artist throughout his life. His contagious sense of humor carried him through many unexpected challenges.The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at both Baylor Hospital in Dallas and Baylor Hospital in Carrollton for their care and compassion.There will be a memorial service on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 11:00 A.M., in the chapel at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1801 West Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75075. Donations may be made in the memory of Derek C. Dayton to NAMI Dallas, namidallas.org, or to Messiah Lutheran Church.Please send the family condolences.