Derek Robert Cleveland, 55

Derek Robert Cleveland, aka Professor, age 55, from Post Falls, Idaho, passed away at Kootenai Health at 3:14 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, surrounded in the loving arms of his family. Born Aug. 7, 1967, in San Jose, Calif., he was the son of Robert D. Cleveland and Pamela J. Alliano.

He grew up in San Jose, Calif., where his passion for martial arts began. Derek was the owner of Iron Lion Jiu Jitsu Academy since 1996. He was a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Rigan Machado, senior instructor in Old Style Muay Thai, senior instructor in Combat Tactics, a Certified Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Instructor, and many more.

His biggest passion in life was spending time with his daughter and family, including his Iron Lion family, instructing jiu jitsu, firearms training, Israel tactical training and always learning and growing. Derek was adamant about his love for animals in which he expressed daily to his boys, Prince and Bolo. He enjoyed the outdoors, good food, music, movies, playing Trouble and family gatherings. Derek demonstrated love and respect for everyone that he met in life.

He is survived by his loved ones: daughter Mattea Cleveland; and soulmate Billie Strouse; boys Prince, and Bolo; brothers Tony Cleveland, Joey Cleveland and A.J. Mayora; sisters Rachael Barnett, Nicole Cleveland and Gina Mammen, brother-in-law Mike Barnett; nephews Cruz Alliano and Kaemon Barnett and niece Kayti Dykes.

A memorial service for Derek will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls, ID 83854.

Please visit Derek’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.