DeRidder

Daniel Frederick DeRidder, a proud Dutch South African by birth and an even more proud Naturalized American citizen, was called to be with his Lord on June 25, 2026, in Round Top. He was a true Afrikaner with his primary language being Afrikaans until he came to the United States. He was saying that he was a true example of an African American. Daniel was born on Oct. 5, 1965, one of six sons born to Antone and Doreen DeRidder in the Indian Ocean coastal town of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Daniel grew up with a large and loving family in Port Elizabeth and post-graduation from school, he served in the South African Military for two years and then began his career in an Administrative role with the Pretoria, South Africa, Postal System. Daniel retained friendships with his friends in the military and the Postal Service, remaining in touch on at least a weekly basis for the remainder of his life. Jim called these daily sessions - The South African hot line.

During his time at the Postal Service, Daniel gained experience with the SAP Software system and that, along with this talent in Human Resources, led to his recruitment by Deloitte and began his journey to the United States in 1995. Daniel’s first consulting engagement with Deloitte was at Rohm and Haas, a chemical manufacturing company in Philadelphia, leading a large SAP implementation at the company. From there, Daniel’s reputation as a highly regarded and valued SAP Consultant ensured he was a widely sought after Consultant at Deloitte and he was eventually transferred to their Houston office. He also consulted to Dell Computers -Austin, Baker Hughes- Houston and a large Utility Company – Tampa, Florida. He was air heading to Philadelphia when the twin New York Towers were attacked, thus his flight turned and returned to Houston.

In 1999, while in Houston, Daniel met the love of his life, Jim Choate, and together, they began a full and beautiful relationship. Daniel and Jim first purchased property in Round Top in 2006, spending weekends there. After a long and loving partnership, Daniel and Jim were finally able to marry on Sept. 30, 2010, and thus began the rest of their life story together. Upon Jim selling his business in Houston in 2014, Daniel and Jim relocated full time to Round Top.

Subsequent to their relocation, Daniel received his real estate license and began a new career in the Round Top area. He was currently managing two non-resident owned ranches in the area as he was always looking for a way to help and support others. Daniel and Jim refurbished and lived in several beautiful homes in Round Top and they loved entertaining their friends. Knowing that Daniel would always set a beautiful table and prepare delicious food, a dinner invitation to their home was always fun where many evenings full of love, laughter and fellowship were enjoyed.

In addition to his abundance of talents, Daniel loved animals and had quite the family of dogs, cats, birds and chickens in Round Top, all of whom he took great care. He took pride in becoming a very talented gardener, growing a vast array of vegetables and flowers, and their vast property always looked more like a manicured park than acreage in the country. Daniel was a delightful fixture in Round Top where everyone knew and loved him.

Daniel was also civically involved in the area as he was a proud member of the Round Top Lions Club and raised funds to support the Round Top Historical Society by opening their homes on three separate years on the Christmas Home Tour.

Between his bounty of friends and family, Daniel was a very rich man in terms of friendship, love, support and devotion. A truly extraordinary, selfless man, he was always willing to help others and to lighten their load. He was a beautiful loving soul who was kind to everyone.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Deon and Ruben DeRidder. He is survived by his loving soulmate, Jim; and seven furry girls (street special puppies) Missy, Mia, Coco, Cookie, Judy, Lucy, and Rosie; three brothers, Ludwig, David, and Chris DeRidder and their respective families, all living in South Africa; sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Jerry Burris of Beaumont, and their respective families.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Daniel’s memory may be directed to the Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter, the Round Top Family Library, or a charity of your choice to “pay it forward” and help out those less fortunate.

Where there was once anguish, darkness and despair, grant him now the light and peace that has no end. And may all of us have the strength to move forward.

Visitation was held Wednesday, July 1 from 5-8 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 2 at 11 a.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Burial followed in Florida Chapel Cemetery, 265 Florida Chapel Road, Round Top.

Memories may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorial-Chapel.com. Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel in Brenham.