Ernest "Ernie" Deering Ober, Jr.

Ernest “Ernie” Deering Ober, Jr.

Ernest “Ernie” Deering Ober, Jr., age 93, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023.  Ernie was born on Monday, May 5, 1930, in Carlisle to the late Ernest Deering Ober, Sr. and Alice (Johnston) Ober.  Ernie was the widower of Florence “Flossie” (Shreiner) Ober, who died on September 19, 2008.  In addition to his parents and wife, Ernie is preceded in death by his sister, Mary “Dot” Hill.

Ernie’s survivors include his three children: Randy Ober and his wife, Tammy, of Wernersville; Susan “Susie” Shirey and her husband, Jeff, of Lewisberry; Brian Ober and his wife, Julie, of Mechanicsburg; his seven grandchildren: Sage Ober and her husband, Aaron Rock; Lake Ober and his wife, Katie; Emma Swisher and her husband, Ryan; Evan Shirey and his wife, Bre; Chase Ober; Max Ober; Maizie Ober; his brother, Emmett Ober and his wife, Terri, of Tennessee; his sister, Sheila Clark of Mechanicsburg; many nieces and nephews; and his great-grandson that’s on the way.

Ernie graduated from Carlisle High School and served our country as a radar mechanic in the United States Air Force.  He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Millersville University and obtained his Master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University.  In 1985, Ernie retired from Cedar Cliff High School in Camp Hill, after over 30 years of service working as a woodshop teacher.  He then started Ober Builders alongside his son and son-in-law, where he worked diligently until 1999.  Ernie also owned and ran a farm in Mechanicsburg for over 50 years, which he took great pride in.  He was a longtime member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, where he was immensely loved by his church family.  He enjoyed hiking the Appalachian Trail well into his 80’s, watching the NCAA Wrestling Championship with his nephew, Phil Risser, had a profound love for his dog, Abbie and especially loved going to his daughter’s weekly lunches.  Ernie was as genuine as they come and everybody loved him.  He had countless visitors, morning, noon and night, up until the day he died.  Ernie will be deeply missed by both family and friends alike.  

All are welcome to join Ernie’s family at his greeting of family and friends on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a service beginning at 11:15 a.m. all at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Dr. Karen Durbin officiating.  Ernie’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at  Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory) immediately following the service.  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.  Burial will be at the family’s convenience in Mechanicsburg Cemetery.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to the Messiah Lifeways staff and all of the caretakers who so lovingly cared for Ernie.

Contributions in celebration of Ernie’s life can be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, https://trinity-on-main.org. 

Ernie’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ernie’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, 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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