Ralph W. Detwiler, Jr.

Ralph W. Detwiler, Jr., 92, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021, at AdventHealth Ottawa. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 29, 2021, at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Family will meet with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 28, 2021, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa. Ralph was born December 11, 1928, at Ottawa, the son of Ralph William Detwiler, Sr. and Mary Ellen (Russell) Detwiler. He was a lifelong Ottawa/Franklin County resident. He graduated from Appanoose High School with the class of 1946. Jr. served in the United States Army from September 1950 to July 1951 during the Korean War attaining the rank of Private First class. His decorations and medals included the Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, and the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star. Jr. was united in marriage to Glaydes “Joan” VanLoenen April 19, 1952, at Ottawa. She preceded him in death on November 28, 2005. He later married Lucy Ann Steenrod-Burns January 18, 2008, at Ottawa. She survives of the home. Jr. was employed as a truck driver many years delivering propane and gasoline. He drove for Murphy Oil in Ottawa and Ottawa COOP, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 5901 of Ottawa. Jr. enjoyed tinkering and being outdoors camping and fishing. Above all, Jr. loved his family and grandchildren and the time they spent together. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mary Detwiler. Survivors also include two children, Debbie Sams of Ottawa, and Keith (Linda) Detwiler of Garnett; two stepdaughters, Ginger Millbern of Ottawa, and Becky Grauel also of Ottawa; brother, Robert Detwiler of Ottawa; grandchildren, Sherri Jackson of Ottawa, Derek (Christina) Detwiler of Rantoul, Daniel (Alexandria) Detwiler of Williamsburg, and Kristin (Ben) Meek of Hallsville, Texas; thirteen great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. The family suggests memorial contributions to Hope House c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.