Derek Hamer

Derek James Hamer

Our beloved grandson, Derek James Hamer, 29, passed away on September 6, 2025, in New Harmony, UT. Derek was born June 19, 1996, to Kenneth Marvin Hamer and Allison Michelle Hamer in Salt Lake City, UT. During his early childhood, Derek and his older brother, Dalton, lived with their grandparents, George and Dorothy (Dot) Hamer. At the age of 9 and 10, the boys were legally adopted by their grandparents. Derek lived in Taylorsville, West Jordan and Washington City, where he graduated from Millcreek High School. He spent most of his adult life in Southern Utah or Mesquite, Nevada.

Derek had a diagnosis of HFA which is High Functioning Aspergers. Although it's on the Autism Spectrum, it didn't hold him back in the world of learning. He had a fetish for the unusual. His favorite books were Ripley's Believe It or Not and Guiness Book of World Records. He had an ability to remember things, and he loved sharing what he learned.

Although Derek never attended any trade schools or developed any specific hobbies, he was a quick learner and was able to acquire skills in many areas. He made lifelong friends, along the way, because of his outgoing personality. He had a heart of gold, and it served him well in many good ways. Derek was looking forward to completing a program he was attending and finding a safe place for himself in the world. After a valiant struggle with a mortal body, he was called home to be with his Savior. We love you Derek and you will be missed.

Derek is survived by his grandparents, George and Dorothy Hamer, Mesquite NV, Great grandmother, Carol Worthington Geldmacher, Grantsville, UT, brother Dalton (Allie) Hamer, West Jordan, UT, Sisters, Ashley (Travis) Mangum, WA, Amber Sund, SD, Britney (Taylor) England, Grantsville, UT, his aunts Glenda (Jerry) Garlitz, Grand Junction, CO, Dawn (Jeff) Waddoups, Henderson, NV, and his uncle Larry (Seri) Hamer, Littleton, CO, along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

An evening viewing will be held on Friday, September 12 from 5pm-7pm, at Spilsbury Mortuary. 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. A morning viewing will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (600 E. Telegraph Street, Washington City, UT.) on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Derek's name to Walk with Autism, a local organization dedicated to helping support those with autism.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to view Derek's full obituary and share memories on his digital memorial page at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com.