Paul Orland Detwiler, 94, peacefully passed on to his heavenly home with family by his side in the early morning hours of March 23, 2026.

Paul was born February 24, 1932, in Washington, Illinois to Alice Louise (Boley) Detwiler and Paul Samuel Detwiler. After his mother passed away, when he was fifteen months old, he and his siblings were sent to live with relatives. He and his brother were raised by his Grandparents, William and Barbara Detwiler, in Iowa. He came to Illinois when he was eighteen and his Uncle, John Detwiler, took him under his wings and he developed a brother-like relationship with his cousins, Mark and Tom Detwiler.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1952-1956. He served in Crash and Rescue in Greenland.

On November 24, 1956, he married Carol Holland in Freeport, Illinois where they started their family and welcomed three children, Dawn, Richard “Rick”, and Janet.

Over the years, he wore many different hats: he managed the Freeport Driver’s Station, he was a Deputy for the Stephenson County Sheriff's Department. He left the Sheriff's Department to be an over-the-road truck driver and continued that until he retired. His handle on the CB was “Ex-County Mountie”. He enjoyed long hauls to the West Coast. In retirement, he assisted his daughter and son-in-law in building their house. He always tried to keep busy. For several years, he could be seen walking around Freeport getting his exercise. Even at the end, his mind still wanted to get out and walk, but his body was getting tired.

After turning 94, he was asked how many more birthdays he was going to have. He responded, “It’s up to the good Lord how many more He’ll give me!” He loved food and shortly after eating a large meal he could be heard saying, “I can’t believe I’m hungry already!” He was always proud to tell people how old he was and got a chuckle when he saw the shocked look on their face when he told them, because he did not look his age. His family attributes his longevity to all the hot and spicy foods he ate over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; Daughters, Dawn (Brian) Kuntzelman and Janet (Chad) Weber; Granddaughters, Paige (Isaac) Troyer and Faith Weber; Sisters Juanita (Carl) Thomas and Sandra Puder. He was also Grandpa to Jason Kuhse, Jesse Kuhse and Devin Goodman. He is also survived by daughter-in-law, Martha Detwiler and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Paul S. Detwiler and Alice Louise Boley Detwiler; Son, Richard Detwiler; Brother, Donald Detwiler; his grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 N Walnut Avenue, Freeport on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Freeport Mennonite Church, 3416 E Brick School Road, Freeport, IL on Saturday, March 28, 2026 10:00 a.m. with a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In Lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.