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Wayne Detwiler Obituary
August 19, 1935 - December 27, 2025
State College, Pennsylvania - Wayne L. Detwiler, SR. (90), previously of State College, PA, more recently from Country Meadows, Leader Heights, York, PA, died at WellSpan York Hospital, PA. Born August 19, 1935, in Nazareth, PA, he was the son of the late Don L. Detwiler, SR. and Kathryn (Quarry) Detwiler. On December 24, 1960, in Allentown, PA, he married Kathryn A. Werst. He is survived by three children: COL(ret) Wayne L. Detwiler, JR. and his wife Kimberly, of McLean, VA; Ann E. Merrick and her husband, L. James, of Glen Rock, PA; COL(ret) Keith A. Detwiler and his wife Michelle, of Falls Church, VA. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Jacob, Lorraine, Madeleine, Wayne III (Leo) and Sydney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn, and seven siblings: Don JR, June, Ivan, Lucielle, Harper, Mildred and Frederick ("Vic").
Wayne earned a Bachelor of Science (1957), a Master of Education (1964), and a Doctor of Education (1971) in Vocational Industrial Education from the Pennsylvania State University. He served in the United States Army and was stationed two years in France. Wayne taught Vocational Cabinetmaking for six years in Bethlehem, PA. He served twenty-seven years as an Assistant Professor of Vocational Industrial Education, College of Education, The Pennsylvania State University before retiring January 1, 1992. Throughout his life he volunteered with the ELKS Lodge #1600 including Service as the Exalted Ruler of the State College, PA Lodge, as Assistant Scout Master Troop 50, with the Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries at the OAKS Senior Community at Pleasant Gap, with the Grace Lutheran Church as Treasurer of the 55 Plus'ers Travel Group, and as a truck driver and book pricer with the AAUW Book Sale.
A small Christian service will be held in honor of Wayne at the Immanuel United Methodist Church, Glen Rock, PA, Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00am. Public visitation available between 09:30-10:00 that morning. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Juniata Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, 9 Taylor Drive, Reedsville, PA 17084. Online condolences may be made at www.geiple.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Detwiler
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6 Entries
Gail Addison Guss
January 10, 2026
We sat by Kathy and Wayne for a number of seasons at Penn State wrestling, delightful people. We send our condolences. Gail and Dan Guss
Sandra Hall
January 5, 2026
Sorry to hear of Wayne's passing, but know he is now with Kathy. We meant many years ago at church and Ann was a babysitter a few times. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
D Passmore, Pittsburgh
January 3, 2026
RIP, Wayne.
Susan H Hayya
January 2, 2026
When I first came to State College, PA forty eight years ago Wayne and his wife Kathy were the first to make me feel welcome. I appreciated this so much. My husband Jack had been friends with Wayne. Wayne recommended to Jack tent camping. He said it would fun and good for our new marriage. Wayne instructed Jack about equipment and places to go. For many years in the summer Jack and I camped in the Canadian Rockies. Because of Wayne I have such wonderful memories of my camping trips with Jack. Thank you Wayne for your suggestion and for your kindness and friendship. Rest in piece.
Susan Hayya
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Grateful
December 30, 2025
Wayne,
Thank You for Your service to our country.
God Bless You!
God be with your family!
Sincerely,
A Grateful American
Robert J. Miklas, USN.
December 30, 2025
Wayne, you are now relieved from your post. A job well done fellow veteran. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The final volley has sounded and taps is about to begin, ending a successful career as a nation´s defender. Farewell fellow veteran.
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