La Grange Park, IL – Derek N.G. Metcalf passed away peacefully on Friday evening, November 10, 2023 at the age of 95. Derek was born on February 22, 1928 in the midlands city of Derby, England, the only son and second child of George and Gladys (née Dunkerly) Metcalf. He attended the prestigious Derby School during his youth, and like many children in WWII England, was evacuated to boarding schools in the country to escape the perils of nightly bombing raids. A keen student, he entered Derby Technical College at 16 and obtained a material sciences degree in metallurgy. In 1949, he left war-ravaged England with his parents, joining his older sister, Joyce, and her new G.I. husband in New Jersey. When the Korean War broke out the next year, Derek received a draft notice, and though not yet a citizen, opted to serve his new country with the 101st Airborne Division in Osaka, Japan. Upon discharge, he worked for several steel mills in Pennsylvania before settling with his parents in La Grange Park, IL. During a sabbatical period in San Francisco, he met and married his wife of 63 years, Carol Elaine Reid, on Easter Sunday 1960. With Carol, he returned and settled in Illinois with inspiration for a new business. A pioneer in the early auto accessories market, Derek founded Athena Industries in Burr Ridge, IL, and ultimately pivoted to a larger and more lucrative model in point-of-purchase display systems, ultimately selling to NYSE giant RockTenn in 2000. Always social and widely respected for his innate and human-centered business sense, Derek was invited to several board positions including Edgewood Bank, Old Kent Bank and Edgemark Financial. It was with Carol, however, that he became most meaningfully involved in the life and ongoing service of the First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, serving on multiple session and pastor search committees, and mentoring more than 20 youth in its ministry over the decades. Derek is survived by Carol, their children and spouses Allyson & Brian Metcalf-Tennison, Colin & Martia Metcalf, and grandchildren Jeremy Tennison, Olivia Tennison and Micah Metcalf. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, IL at a date and time TBA. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Countryside. Funeral info: 708-352-6500