Russell Detrick

LIMA -- Russell Dale Detrick, age 94, passed away in Lima, Ohio on May 18, 2024.

Dale was a 1948 graduate of Lima South High School. His father was a conductor on the Nickel Plate Railroad, and soon he too was working for the railroad as a blacksmith helper. After studying music for one year at the University of Cincinnati, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. With a surplus of drummers in the army bands, Dale served 18 months in Korea, first as a machine gunner with the 25th Infantry Division and later with the 558 Military Police for the truce talks at Panmunjom. He began working at Sohio/BP Chemical as a lab technician in 1953 and continued there for 45 years. On September 27, 1958, he married Carolyn L. Redd.

Dale Detrick was actively playing the drums professionally until his retirement at age 93. During the heyday of Russells Point as a resort destination, he played floor shows nightly with the Haydn Snider Orchestra at the "Showboat". In Lima, he could be heard at clubs with the Don Hurless Trio, the Dean Kohler Combo, the Karl Kroske Trio, and the Dale Detrick Orchestra. He joined the Al Best Orchestra in 1958, playing literally thousands of jobs with them in his 60+ year tenure. He was a founding member and personnel manager of the Lima Area Concert Band. He performed with the Lima Symphony Orchestra, the American Legion Band, the Auglaize Circus Band, the 5th Division Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Hallelujah Saints Band. In addition to the many musical stars that he accompanied as drummer in the Lima Area Concert Band, he made appearances with the Hank Williams All Stars, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and Lima's own jazz legend Joe Henderson.

Dale was a Life Member of the American Federation of Musicians, VFW Post 1275, American Legion, Eagles (Aerie 370), and the Percussive Arts Society. He was a member of the Westside United Methodist Church. He loved his wife Carolyn, he loved all dogs, he loved all kinds of music, and he loved the drums.

Dale is survived by his children, Brad (Charlotte) Detrick of New York, NY, and Jane (Shawn) Stevens of Lima, grandson Zachary Detrick, sisters-in-law Mary Jane Patterson and Ruth Detrick, as well as a niece and several nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ora "Russell" and Mary Mildred (Coil) Detrick; his wife of 68 years, Carolyn (Redd) Detrick; sisters, Betty (Carl) Kesler, and Jean (Hugh) Engstrom; and brother, Roger Detrick.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, 2024, and from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024, prior to the service at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 27, at the funeral home. Pastor Todd Cosart will officiate the service. A burial will follow in Woodlawn

Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army and the VFW #1275.

Memorial contributions may be made to Westside United Methodist Church, 604 Gloria Ave, Lima, OH 45805 or Debs Dogs, 1560 Wonderlick Rd, Lima, OH 45805.

Condolence may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com.