Melvin Detwiler, 67

Melvin Edward Detwiler, age 67, of Mendon died Saturday Feb. 2, 2013 at Three Rivers Health following a long illness. He was born in Three Rivers on Sep. 5, 1945 the son of the late Stanley and Laura (Halstead) Detwiler and was a lifetime resident of St. Joseph County. He was married to Sharon Mains on March 27, 1964, and they were later divorced. Melvin had worked at Coachman Industries and Viking R.V. and also for the City of Three Rivers. He was a stock car driver racing frequently at Mottville Speedway. He was a member of the Three Rivers Eagles Lodge and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping.

Melvin is survived by 4 children, Susan Detwiler, Melvin “Bud” Detwiler, Jr., Jack Detwiler, and Oscar (Lisa) Detwiler all of Three Rivers; 9 grandchildren, Mandy Salmen, Jack Detwiler, Jr., Shasta Detwiler, Ashley Detwiler, Taylor Detwiler, Caleb Detwiler, Joshua Detwiler, Brandy Detwiler, and Michael Detwiler; 6 great-grandchildren, Alexis, Jackson, Jeremiah, Cale, Jase, and May; 2 brothers, Stan (Georgia) Detwiler and Dwayne (Ann) Detwiler both of Three Rivers; 1 sister, Marty Studebaker of Vicksburg; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 6, 2013 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Cremation will then be conducted and a private interment will take place later. Condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com