Former F'ville Mayor Jack Dettmering dead at 79

Sat, 10/11/2008 - 5:48pm
By: Cal Beverly

One of the longest-serving elected officials in Fayetteville’s history is dead.

Former Mayor Jack D. Dettmering, age 79, died Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. He was born on Dec. 26, 1928 to Lindley O’Neal and Louvale Brown Dettmering.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary W. Dettmering, daughters Kathe and Bobby Anderson, Ellen and Richard Lowe, Susie and Chris Keaton, grandchildren Trey and Robin Anderson, Brian Anderson, David Anderson, Kyle Lowe, Nathan Keaton and Mary Katherine Keaton, along with nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dettmering attended Fayette County High School and joined the U.S. Navy at an early age, completing his studies in the Navy, while serving on the USS Toledo.

He retired from B.F. Goodrich Company after 40 years of service and was the district sales manager for the Southeast Region. His responsibilities kept him on the road and he made many good friends throughout the United States.

During this same time, Dettmering was also a Fayetteville City Councilman from 1963-1968, and mayor of Fayetteville for 20 years (1968-1988). At one point, he was the mayor, the chief of police and the judge.

Just recently the mayor and City Council of Fayetteville honored him at a council meeting, presenting a proclamation declaring Feb. 22, 2008, as Jack D. Dettmering Day in Fayetteville. Years earlier his community service and leadership were honored when the city police and fire station was named for Dettmering.

After retirement from B. F. Goodrich, Dettmering opened a travel agency called “Travel Express” and ran and managed it until he sold it in July of 2004. He enjoyed his travel business, interacting with his clients, and delivering tickets, a personal touch he felt was important.

Dettmering was a member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, and over the years served in many capacities such as chairman of the Administrative Board, Sunday School teacher, devotion leader, youth counselor, and Building Fund Committee. Dettmering had a beautiful tenor voice and served his Lord through music in the church choir.

He was a Shriner and a member of the Masonic Lodge #711. As a Shriner, he enjoyed helping with the annual Shrine Circus and also rode a motorcycle for a period of time in the Shriner’s parades. He also enjoyed cooking and supporting fund raising with BBQs and such for both organizations over the years.

Dettmering had a talent for public speaking and the ability to speak from the heart. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, gardening and baseball games. For years and years, he had one of the most productive gardens in Fayetteville and was proud to share fresh vegetables with all that he could.

He never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He loved to be with people and was always busy supporting his community, his children and grandchildren’s activities.

Jack’s family and friends would like for you to join in the celebration of his life on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Whitlock Cemetery in Peachtree City, with the Fayetteville Masonic Lodge presiding over the graveside service. The family will receive friends on Monday, Oct. 13, 2008 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Mowell Funeral Home.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In addition to flowers, those who desire may make contributions to the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer’s Association, Shriner’s Children Hospital, or the Joseph Sams School in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Carl J Mowell & Son, Fayetteville (www.mowellfuneralhome.com) in charge of arrangements.

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Submitted by keanet on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 3:01pm.

I cannot believe that our local paper has not done a complete detailed article including interviews with family members & friends on Jack Dettmering. He was instrumental in so many positive aspects in bringing Fayetteville to a modern community.

CK

Submitted by allin on Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:36pm.

Reading this article makes me think where did we go wrong in our society - here is a person that's all about community service - giving giving giving - what a class act - I was wondering why I could not get home from work this evening with all the cars backed up on Jeff Davis in front of the Mowell funeral home - now I know why - caring people paying their respects to a hometown hero and class act We need more like this person and less of the Obama and Mc Cain mentality - thank you for your time and efforts serving our communtiy the bar was set pretty high by peopel like you. We are no where close in today society and it's all about me generation

Submitted by keanet on Fri, 10/17/2008 - 8:35pm.

Thank you for your note regarding Jack Dettmering. Our family would very much like to know who you are and would appreciate you contacting me. We thank you for your comments and appreciate recognition of what a "class act" he truly was.
Chris Keaton
770-716-1284

Submitted by DonnaBerube on Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:31pm.

My prayers are with Susie and her family during this difficult time.I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad Susie.If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to call me~Donna Berube

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