Reverend David L. Detamore, DDS, 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Plymouth.
Born on May 31, 1929 in South Bend, Indiana he was the son of Paul R. and Katherine L. (Leonard) Detamore. He married Lois L. Manges in Detroit, MI on July, 1, 1950, she preceded him in death on March 7, 2019.
Rev. David attended Northwestern University Dental School and graduated with the class of 1953. Honorably serving his country in the United States Airforce during the Korean War, as a dentist from 1953-1955.
Rev. Detamore also attended McCormick Theological Seminary School and graduated with the class of 1967. Rev. David presided as Pastor at Elston Presbyterian Church from 1967 to 1970. Rev. David returned in 2002 to serve in the pulpit and officiating at weddings and funerals, ending in 2019 after serving every other Sunday at Walkerton Presbyterian church. David Received the God and Service Award from nomination by First Presbyterian Church and Girls Scouts of Singing Sands Council for outstanding service to you in the name of and to the glory of God.
Dr. David practiced Dentistry in South Bend, IN with his father Paul R. Detamore from 1955 to 1967, and again from 1971 to 2001.
David was awarded the Girl Scouts in Appreciation for his Service to the Girl Scouts; he served as Treasurer of Singing Sands Girl Scout Council for many years and awarded Star Scout in 1945 by St. Joe Valley Boy Scout Council. David served for many years as an umpire for Plymouth Youth Softball.
Rev. David was a member of the Presbytary of Wabash Valley, the American Dental Association, and the St. Joseph Lodge #45 F&A.M.
He is survived by his children Susan L. Detamore of Cicero, IN; James (Pamela) Detamore of Lafayette, IN; Steven (Lorna) Detamore of Nappanee; Jonathaon (Jeannette) Detamore of West Salem, OH; 12 Grandchildren, 26 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild.
David is preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois and grandchild Kaimana Detamore.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 11-1 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth.
Funeral services will immediately follow with Rev. Steven Mullin officiating.
Graveside services will immediately follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 512 Georgia St. Walkerton, IN 46574.
Allen Vanes says
So very sorry for your loss. Rev Detamore was an amazing man. I first met him and his wife as a kid growing up attending Rhe First Presbyterian Church in Plymouth. And then again after I took over as organist at The First Presbyterian Church of Walkerton. He welcomed my mom and I as members of Walkerton when we transferred after Plymouth closed. RIP Reverand Detamore.
Teresa Jung Long says
I loved Dr. Detamore. Met him and his wife when I began in Girlscouts. He was an amazing man. So much so when I got married in 1976 I was blessed to have him marry us. Will mis him so much. I am in Pennsylvania and don’t get back until 17 th but will be there in spirit.
Suzie johnson says
So sorry for the family
Dinesh Rajan says
The world has lost a wondeful and kind soul. I always found him to be thoughtful both in words and actions. His warmth and ability to relate made him such a genuine influence. He was a true man of God. I missed him dearly when distance separated us, and will miss him even more. Rest in Peace, Pastor Dave!
Emily Bowser says
To the Detamore family, we are very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He and Lois were very special people at our Presbyterian church in Plymouth. Your family is in our prayers. Ann and Emily Bowser
The Ames Family says
He was a blessing to so many of us in the Plymouth congregation. He and Lois were so encouraging to everyone they met! He was a great Dentist and a man of many talents!
Robert, Marna, Lanita, Naikea, Colleen, Dale, Rob and David Ames
Jean Hill says
Dave meant so much to so many. His service to the youth of the area was outstanding. He gave me some great advice I still lean on. You will be missed by many. Rest in Peace.
Kathy Kemper says
Dave was a true friend of the family. Stepping in as another patriarch of the family after the early passing of my father. He and Lois kept close watch over my mother spanning the many decades that passed. I remember holidays, crazy nights of Uno games, and the year he removed multiple stubborn primary teeth out of my 6 year old. It was only Dave that she trusted. Always a guiding voice, I will miss his patience and wisdom.
Lauren Fry says
Please know that your dad was a major part of my childhood and an adult mentor that I didn’t know I needed. Both him and Lois were unforgivingly sweet, funny, kind, and compassionate and it set the tone for a sprite little blonde girl who welcomed direction. He pulled my four front teeth to make way for braces, he took losses in card games with grace, and he will be missed.
Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis, Visioning and Connecting Leader, PWV says
Dear Detamore family,
We send our deep condolences to you at the passing of David. He was a cherished pastor, a devoted colleague, and a wonderful friend to so many of us in the Presbytery of Wabash Valley. We will long remember his care, his humor, his kind heart and his dedication and love of his family, Girl Scouting, and the ministry to which he was so deeply called.
On behalf of the Presbytery, we offer our prayers and thanksgiving for a dear and faithful servant, trusting that in life and death, we belong to God.
Susan Karwatka Asel says
So sorry to hear about Doc. What can I say? He and Lois were like a second set of parents. Doc was there when my dad died and when my mom passed. He was a rock. I will always cherish all the times he and Lois were at mom’s and we would play cards or dice. Many laughs and good times. I will truly miss Doc. May he rest in peace. Prayers to all the family.