Douglas "Pap" Wade Hench

Douglas “Pap” Wade Hench

Proud Father, Fantastic Son, Community Servant -

Douglas “Pap” Wade Hench, age 54, of Mechanicsburg , died at Holy Spirit Hospital on Monday, August 31, 2015.  Doug was born on Thursday, September 22, 1960, in Mechanicsburg to Nancy Irene (Yeatter) Hench Rider and the late Ronald Wade Hench.  In addition to his father, Doug is preceded in death by his step-father, Eugene “Gene” R. Rider.

Doug’s survivors include his loving mother, Nancy Irene (Yeatter) Hench Rider; his four children: Jessica Hench and her partner, Andrew Hummer, of Carlisle, Donald Hench of Mechanicsburg, Matthew Hench of Mechanicsburg, April Bristow of California; his four grandchildren: Hannah, Clayton, Cheyenne, Kylee; his three siblings: Ronetta Trimmer and her husband, Steve, of Lisburn, David Hench and his wife, Sue, of Arizona, Daryl Hench and his wife, Jennifer, of Mechanicsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

After being born in Seidle Memorial Hospital, raised in Mechanicsburg, and graduating from Mechanicsburg Area High School in 1978, Doug moved away for only eight years when he joined the U.S. Air Force .  During that time, he was stationed and lived in Sacramento, CA.  Doug returned to Mechanicsburg as a single and proud father, devoting his life to his three children.  Upon his return in 1986, Doug became a repair specialist, and eventually a service manager, for DriveKore, Inc. , where he worked for 18 years.  After DriveKore’s repair division closed, Doug worked at Store Supply Warehouse until 2011, when he took on the position of facilities caretaker for Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, where Doug took great pride in maintaining its welcoming grounds and the “best-looking sidewalks in town.”  Doug’s Mechanicsburg pride was evident in his almost 25 years of service to his community as a volunteer firefighter for the Washington Fire Company No. 1 , where he most recently served as vice president.  Doug’s favorite leisure activity was watching sprint car racing and working at Williams Grove Speedway .  A hero in his children’s eyes, a fantastic son to his mother, a friend to the Mechanicsburg community, Doug will be remembered and missed dearly.

All are welcome to join Doug’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Thursday, September 3, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., when there will be a closing ceremony with firefighter’s last call at Washington Fire Company No. 1 , 53 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  To honor Doug’s relaxed style, the family invites everyone to dress comfortably and casually.  Cremation was private.

The family respectfully asks that contributions be made in Doug’s memory to help defray his final expenses.  Checks should be made payable to Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  Credit card contributions can be made by dialing (717) 766-3421.  Doug’s family thanks you and Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory for helping at this difficult time.

Doug’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Doug’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .