Derek Allan Harmon

Derek Allan Harmon, 36, lost his lifelong battle with depression on Friday, August 2nd in Bakersfield, California.
Derek was born on December 11, 1987, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm in Scarville, Iowa, where his roots run deep. His strong work ethic abounded as he helped his father, Doug, work the land, care for the livestock, and harvest the crop each year. Hard work didn't deter Derek. In fact, it drove him. He persevered in everything he did. As a young teen, it was his goal to work more hours at Don's Motor Mart than anyone else on the payroll and he met that goal week after week after week.
This same dedication drove him to excel in school as well. Derek graduated from Lake Mills High School with high honors and a GPA very near 4.0. He continued his post-secondary education at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. He earned a double major in Spanish and Biology. He was able to put his Spanish major to use when he studied in Costa Rica for a semester. He completed his Masters in Physician Assistance Studies at the University of South Dakota in December of 2012. Derek served as a dedicated Physician Assistant at Clinica Sierra Vista and Bakersfield Family Medical Center at the time of his death. He also practiced at several urgent cares in Bakersfield, where his compassion and commitment to helping others was evident.
From his first days until his last, Derek was an advocate for the marginalized. Those that mattered least to most, mattered most to Derek. He was never afraid to challenge the status quo, especially when it came to standing up for those that couldn't stand up for themselves.
Derek was deeply committed to serving others and encouraging those around him to be their best. He was the person everyone turned to if they needed support. His unwavering dedication and willingness to help others was central to his life and work, often putting the needs of others before his own. His light shown bright for all those around him. But, sometimes, the brightest of lights can't see past their own shadow. His depression and personal struggles became more than he could overcome.
Left to cherish his memory is his partner of ten years, Jesus Martell Gonzalez; his parents Doug (Rhonda) Harmon; Chalsea (Drew) Roder and Jerod (Samantha) Harmon; nieces Gracie, Jeneva, and Peyton Roder; grandparents Duaine (Ellyn) Harmon, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended relatives, and close friends. He was also blessed to be accepted into the Martell-Gonzalez family and will be sadly missed by all.
Derek was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Donald and Ila Grothe, both of whom meant the world to him.
A memorial service to celebrate Derek's life will be held on Sunday, August 18th, at The Nile Theater in downtown Bakersfield, 1721 19th St Bakersfield, Ca 93301. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ youth.
https://give.thetrevorproject.org/ To read more about Derek's life, please visit: https://www.online-tribute.com/derekallanharmon
Derek's legacy of love, advocacy, and grace will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.