Ora Frederick “Fred” Detwiler, formerly of Warsaw, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at Cedar Creek Assisted Living facility in Bloomington, at the age of 92.
He was born March 29, 1931, in Goshen, to John B. and Fern E. Stutsman Detwiler, the fifth of nine children born to his parents. Seven of his siblings preceded him in death: John R. (Irene) Detwiler, Paul (Elaine) Detwiler, Sarah (Bud) Gross, Ruby (Roland) Hershberger, Pearl (Tom) Reid, Janet (Phil) Roderick and Rebecca (George) Irvin. His sister, Mary (Don) Rinehart, survives.
Fred married Patricia J. Lemmon on Oct. 23, 1951, in Elkhart; they were married 71 years. In addition to Pat, Fred is survived by their children: Kenneth L. (Cindy) Detwiler, of Bloomington; Lawrence E. (Lynn) Detwiler, of Hartsville; and Sharon K. (Ross) Sanders, of Greentown. Grandchildren are Thomas Detwiler (deceased), Joshua (Siobhan) Detwiler, April (Rett) Strasler, Eric Detwiler (deceased), Sarah Detwiler, Amy (Adam) Hutchison, Samuel Detwiler, Valerie (Max) Walter and Katrina (Jenson) Martinelli. Great-grandchildren are Zoe Detwiler, Ava Strasler, Charles Hutchison, Clementine Strasler, Alex Hutchison, Molly Hutchison, James Strasler, William Hutchison, Maverick Strasler, Sawyer Hutchison, Adeline Hutchison and Valentine Strasler.
Fred attended a one-room school (Bashor) in Harrison Township, Elkhart County, through eighth grade and graduated from Concord High School where he was an outstanding baseball player. He was active in 4-H and won blue ribbons at the state for baking and showed dairy cattle there. He was also a member of the Elkhart County 4-H dairy judging team that competed at the national level. In addition to high school baseball, he played American Legion baseball.
After graduation, he was drafted by the Marines for a two-year hitch and spent over a year in Korea during the Korean War, serving as a wireman. After he returned home, he and Pat located in Warsaw where he worked for Champion Door and later for the Home Furniture Mart. In 1966, they started their own business, Custom Carpet, where he was a carpet layer for 52 years, retiring at age 87.
He enjoyed following all sports but especially the Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame football and IU basketball. He also enjoyed gardening and growing apple trees.
His faith was very important to him, and he and Pat participated in 75 lay witness missions in United Methodist churches across the Midwest. They also taught children’s Sunday school at Walnut Creek United Methodist Church in Warsaw and the Mentone United Methodist Church for 40 years.
Friends and family may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 7 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Fred’s life will be celebrated with a service immediately following visitation at 1 p.m. officiated by his sons, Ken and Larry Detwiler. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw with military rites conducted by members of American Legion Post 49 and V.F.W. #1126, both of Warsaw, and active duty members of the Marine Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.