Born September 24, 1935 in Williamsburg Pennsylvania to J. Kenneth and Gertrude Detwiler, Ralph was the oldest of six children. On July 13, 1966 he married Carol (Guyer) in Alexandria, Virginia.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Richard Detwiler and Alan Detwiler. He is survived by is wife of 54 years, Carol; son Robert Detwiler and wife, Sandra (Vegas); daughter Tammy Miller and husband, Brad; brother, Charles Detwiler; sisters, Diana Glunt and Mary Jane Dinger.
His grandchildren are William Miller, Peyton Miller, Bailey Miller, Garrett Miller, children of Tammy and Brad. Fabian Vegas and wife, Victoria, and Ariel Vegas and fiancé Meshach Lewis are children of Rob and Sandra, also great grandchildren, Leilani Vegas, Kalana Vegas, and Kai Lewis. Additionally, there are numerous nieces and nephews.
Ralph served with pride for 26 years in the United States Air Force, enlisting in 1954. His many talents allowed him to serve as a Nuclear Specialist, Nuclear Weapons Technician, Nuclear Power Plant Operator and Instrumentation Specialist, and Missile Electronic Maintenance Superintendent. He retired in 1980 at rank of Senior Master Sergeant, having been awarded numerous medals and ribbons.
His second career was as an electronics technician with Harris Farinon lasting 20 years. After retiring the second time, Ralph and Carol loved to RV across Texas and the US. Throughout their 54 years of marriage, Ralph and Carol stayed active with activities and hobbies including bowling, pinochle, camping, scouting, fishing, traveling and chasing kids and grandkids. Ralph also spent his time woodworking and tinkering in his shop, volunteering with the Live Oak Police Department, serving at St John’s Lutheran Church and with friends and family.
Depending when and where you knew him, he was known as Ralph, Ed or Dee. You also knew that Ralph never knew a stranger. He was a straight shooter that would give you honesty and fairness and always had a smile. He might even talk your ear off. He would help anyone, any time, anywhere. He will be missed.
Visitation will be Monday, July 26, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, Universal City. A funeral service for Ralph will be 11:00 AM Tues. July 27, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church, 502 E Nueva St. San Antonio with visitation and reception for one hour prior from 10-11 AM. Committal Service with military honors will follow the funeral service at 1:15 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, and for those who wish to do so, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or St John’s Lutheran Church.
