Richard Franklin Detwiler

Richard Franklin Detwiler, 91, passed away on October 3, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean, with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage. He is also survived by his sister Norma Jean (Donald) Allen, children Peggy (Ed) Zigler, Daniel (Mary), and Carol (Mike) Estvanic, daughters-in-law Shelly Detwiler and Sue (Chuck) Detwiler-Green along with 19 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, one sister, sons Matthew and Paul, and his great-granddaughter Rose.

Richard grew up on a dairy farm, the youngest of ten children. One of his first jobs as a boy was tending the chickens. At Seville Schools he played many sports, with basketball his favorite, and took part in drama club, band, and choir. Outside of school he enjoyed family activities, was active in 4-H, the Grange, and the Seville Methodist Church.

After graduating from High School in 1953, Richard continued helping his parents, Samuel and Stella, run the farm. Over the next five years he also sang in a community choir, played softball, and served as a 4-H advisor alongside his friend Al Rumburg. In 1958, he began dating Jean Mellott during her senior year of high school, and the two were married on November 15, 1958. Richard then joined Jerusalem Lutheran Church, where he served in many ways over the years.

While raising his family and dairy farming, Richard gave generously of his time to the community as well. He directed Seville Pee Wee Football, was a member of the Guilford Grange, and served six years as a Milk Inc. director for Medina County, and four years with the Federal Land Bank. He also served 14 years on the Cloverleaf Board of Education, where his proudest moments were shaking each of his children's hands as he gave them their high school diplomas. He supported and loved to cheer on his children and grandchildren while they competed in different sporting events throughout the years.

Upon retiring from farming after 45 years, Richard then worked as a realtor for Dave Kaufman and sold securities with Kevin Quigley at Primerica. He continued in community service at Jerusalem Lutheran Church and was a longtime member of Seville Kiwanis. He finally retired at age 88.

Even in retirement, Richard stayed actively interested in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He lit up whenever he held a new great-grandbaby, and he treasured their visits while at Altenheim Senior Living, where he became a friend to staff and fellow residents alike.

He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Friends may call Friday, October 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Hillcrest Chapel, Seville. Services will follow at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com.