Norman Baker Detrick

1942 - 2025

Norman Baker Detrick, 82, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 30, 2025. He was born August 23, 1942, in Washington, a son of Clayford and Geraldine Baker Detrick. He graduated from Beth Center High School in 1960 and upon graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served from 1960-1963. During his enlistment, he was stationed at Fort Knox in Kentucky, at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, and at a base in Indianapolis, where he received advanced training in finance. In 1961, he was sent overseas to Karlsruhe, Germany, where he worked as a finance disbursing clerk. After being honorably discharged from the service in 1963, Norm returned to the Mon Valley Region and for the next 11 years, he sold cars at Frank Reid Chevrolet in Fredericktown. In 1974, he made a dramatic career change - he went from selling cars to working as an underground coal miner for the J&L Coal Division. He mined the Vesta #5 Mine for the next decade. In October of 1987, he took a job delivering mail for the U.S.P.S., and for the next 17 years, he was a mail carrier. He retired from the Postal Service in 2004. Norm was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, serving in many capacities. He was also an avid Steelers fan and he loved to karaoke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Norman J. Detrick; brother, Karl Detrick; and his long time companion, Joan "Bobo" Beatty. Left to cherish his memory are his children: daughter, Lisa Kokkila and son-in-law David Kokkila; and son, Greg Detrick. He took immense joy in his role as a grandfather to Kayla, Haverly, Emily and Zachary; and great- grandchildren, Elijah and Elizabeth, all who were the lights of his life. They will remember him not only for his gentle spirit and unwavering support, but also for the countless memories shared with him, filled with laughter and love. Also surviving are the mother of his children, Betty J. Detrick; and his nephew, Brian Detrick. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 8, in Mariscotti Funeral Home, Inc., Anthony N. Mariscotti, supervisor, 323 Fourth Street, California, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, with the Rev. Amory Merriman officiating.