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.