Michael Derek Saldana, age 50 passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at 7:43 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Living Center in Branson, Missouri.

Derek was born on December 10, 1975, in Austin, Texas. He spent most of his life in Austin before moving to Branson, Missouri in 2019.

He was the beloved only child of Mike and Dee Saldana. Derek experienced a profound loss early in life when his father, Mike Saldana, passed away suddenly in 1980 when Derek was just five years old. He was then lovingly raised by his devoted mother, Dee, with whom he shared a deep and enduring bond until her passing in 2018.

Derek attended local schools in Austin and graduated from James Bowie High School, Class of 1994. He later attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Engineering. His education laid the foundation for a long and respected career in the technology industry.

A gifted engineer and technical communicator, Derek held positions with Metrowerks, NXP Semiconductors, Apple, and Amazon Web Services. He was widely respected for his work in documentation systems, XML-based tooling, and engineering workflows. Colleagues valued his intelligence, attention to detail, humility, and his genuine ability to make complex technology easier for others to understand.

Outside of his professional life, Derek was known for his gentle spirit and kind heart. He had a quiet nature, a warm smile, and a compassionate presence that made people feel at ease. One of his greatest joys was his lifelong love of Disney, a passion that brought him happiness, comfort, and a sense of wonder throughout his life.

Derek was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Dee Saldana, along with many beloved members of both the Saldana and Escamilla families. He is survived by extended members of the Escamilla and Saldana families, as well as friends, coworkers, and all who were fortunate to know him.

Derek will be remembered for his quiet kindness, brilliant mind, and the gentle joy he carried with him throughout his life. May he rest in peace, reunited with the parents he loved so dearly.