Derek Shawn Barger

Derek Shawn Barger

A Heart of Gold -

Derek Shawn Barger, age 30, of Mechanicsburg, passed suddenly as a result of COVID-19 complications on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.  Derek was born on Thursday, June 13, 1991, in Harrisburg to Shawn Gary Barger and Ann (Kirwan) Orner.

Derek’s survivors include his mother, Ann Orner and husband, Donald, of Mechanicsburg; his father, Shawn Barger and wife, Barbara, of Wayne, NJ; his two sisters, Jenna Lynne Barger of Carlisle and Amber Mattie Lepore of Whippany, NJ; his paternal grandparents, N. Gary and Jean Barger of Frenchville; and his furry brothers and sisters: Tucker, Abby, Ollie, Jackson, and Muttley.

Derek graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as a part of the class of 2009 and attended Shippensburg University. He was employed by Sheetz in Mechanicsburg as a Supervisor.

As a child, Derek was like the Sun, always laughing and smiling from the time he woke up.  He was kind, sweet and had a heart of gold, sharing whatever he had with others.  He was witty and enjoyed sharing laughter, talking and game nights with friends and family.  He was very active in online social groups where he met many friends from around the world.  Derek was very different from others, but that made him special.  He had a genuine love for animals especially his furry brothers and sisters and they returned his affections in spades.

He was very dedicated to his work and he enjoyed spending time with his work family.  Derek was an avid collector of swords and knives, telling stories of where they came from and how they were used.  He lived a very simple life and enjoyed many of the same things throughout his life; Mac ‘n cheese, pizza, peanut butter milkshakes, video games and music.  He loved cooking in the kitchen with his mom and attending Comic Con with his dad.  He has read thousands of books and he enjoyed drawing and writing short stories.

All are welcome to join Derek’s family at his celebration of life open house and reception on Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory); with Celebrant Patricia Vogl officiating.  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.  Virtual gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:30 p.m. with family greeting at 1:45 p.m.  Interment will follow the services at 4:00 p.m. in Hershey Cemetery.  Cremation was private.

Derek’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Derek’s full obituary, view his memorial video and photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.

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Virtual Gathering via Video Chat

Family and friends are welcome to join Derek's family via video chat or telephone on Saturday, December 18, 2021, beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

We use Zoom for internet video chat and telephone conference calling.  There is no charge for you to participate.  Simply click on the link below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82439052990? with passcode 3421

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 824 3905 2990 with passcode 3421

By participating in this chat, you agree to our “Internet Video Chat & Telephone Chat Policies” which can be found at www.Buhrig.com/Privacy-Policy.

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