On August 26, 1975, Derrick was born to Rosemary Pettit and James Taylor. As a young boy he was baptized and accepted Jesus as his Lord and savior. He was a graduate of Jesse H. Jones High School class of 1994. Derrick went on to attend the University of Houston to pursue a degree in Computer Science. While in high school, Derrick began working for Tenneco Oil as an IT Specialist. He went on to become a Senior IT Specialist at Conoco Phillips for many years.

Derrick was the proud father of four amazing children: Tailor Janay Welch, Devin Deshun Welch, Derrick Deshun Welch and Dylan Deshun Welch. He found great joy in being a strong, present father and a great provider.

Derrick loved music and all things H-Town culture! He owned a T-shirt shop which held a recording studio (Bone House Records). In that studio, Derrick and his friend and collaborator DJ Bone released many legendary mixtapes.

Derrick is preceded in death by his parents: Rosemary London and James Taylor, his beloved grandmother Mary Pettit, his brother James Edward Taylor and his son and namesake Derrick Deshun Welch, Jr..

He leaves to cherish his memories: Tailor Welch (daughter), Devin Welch (son), Dylan Welch (son), Pai'ton and Bailee Theall (granddaughters), Derrick Welch (grandson), Sandra Gradney (aunt), Fern Pettit (aunt), Lee Pettit (uncle), James Taylor (brother), Michelle Taylor (sister), Danielle Taylor (sister), Cameron Totten (godson) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.