Obituary of Donald R Detterline

Donald R. Detterline, 77, died on December15, 2019, at his home in Charleston, SC, after a long battle with cardiac amyloidosis. He was born in Norristown PA, to Robert E and Nellie (Eisenbise) Detterline.

Donald had a distinguished 31-year-military career in the U. S. Army that included both active and reserve service. He was a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and retired after more than a decade as a full colonel. His many military honors include two Bronze Star Medals. While on active duty, he served two tours as a military intelligence officer in Vietnam and later commanded the 1185th Transportation Unit in Lancaster, PA, which was activated for Operation Desert Shield, later Desert Storm. While serving in the Army Reserves, Don was general manager of Schuylkill Valley Oil Company in Pottstown. He was a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA.

An active volunteer in each of the communities in which he lived, Don was on the Planning Commission and Borough Council in Collegeville, PA; the Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurse Association in Pottstown, PA; a past-president of the Rose Valley (PA) Folk, and a member of the Rose Valley Environmental Advisory Council. An accomplished gardener and chef, he was famous for his hybrid tea roses and his fabulous desserts.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Andy (Vaughan) Detterline; their daughter, Jessie Detterline Rodwell (David W III); two brothers, Richard E Detterline and James L. Detterline; a sister, Regina Detterline Arnold, and three beloved grandchildren.

Funeral services are private. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to St. Andrew’s Church, 440 Whilden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.