Thomas Patrick Detwiler

 

Tom Detwiler was born May 9, 1935, in Minden, NE to Theodore and Mamie Detwiler and grew up on a farm near Kearney. After graduating from Kearney High School, he attended the University of Nebraska, subsequently Receiving three degrees. In 1960 he Married Lee Wombacher. Prior to his appointment in 1965 to the CSC faculty, he taught English at Plattsmouth, Grand Island, and the UNL Extension Division. He also substitute taught in the Lincoln Public Schools. For several years he served as CSC’s first-year teacher. Upon retiring from CSC, he chaired school accreditation teams and administered rural schools in Dawes and Sioux County until their closures. His career in education spanned over forty-five years. He was a member and served as president of several organizations, including the Nebraska Association of teacher Educators, Lions Club, American Cancer Society, Federal Credit Union Board, Public Library Board, CSC’s Retired faculty, and St. Patrick’s Parish Council. Other affiliations included Phi Delta Kappa, Nebraska School Masters, NSEA, Job Corps Community Council, CSC Booster Club, Westerners club, and the American Legion. In 1963, After serving several years in the enlisted active reserves, he was appointed and commissioned officer in the U.S Army reserve, Adjutant General Corps. A fan of target shooting as a kid, he attributed his expert weapons rating with the M-1 rifle, to his practice of hunting rodents on the family farm. An avid traveler, he and his spouse visited all fifty states, several European countries, South America, Canada, and Mexico. For over fifty-five years, he served as a lector in the Catholic Church. In 2022, he and Lee received the Aksarben Good Neighbor Award and the college’s prestigious Distinguished Service Award.

Survivors include his wife, Lee, daughters and sons-in-law Ann and Josh Jamison of Chadron, Geri and Del Dack of Paxton. Grandchildren Melissa Brown Valerie/Marty Muthuswami, Josh/Amanda Dack, Mechelle/Avery Thomas, Justin Jamison, Taylor Dack, and Dylan Jamison. Great Grandchildren Brinly, Jayce, Arathana, Athavan, Everett, Violet, Miles. Preceded in death by his parents Theodor and Mamie and grandson in law - Ryan Brown.

A Memorial has been established for the Tom & Lee Detwiler Scholarship fund at CSC.

Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, P.O. Box 970 Chadron, NE 69337