David A. Detwiler

David A. Detwiler, 91, passed away on May 8, 2026, in Connellsville, Pa., at his residence while being comforted by his loving family. Born on April 28, 1935, in Jacksonville, Fla., he was the son of the late Ralph W. and Mabel J. Miller Detwiler. David was loving, faith-filled, and gentle, and those qualities shaped the way he cared for his family, served his church, and met each season of life. He was a man of quiet strength and enduring kindness, and he will be remembered with deep affection by those whose lives he enriched. David was a longtime and faithful member of Pennsville Baptist Church, where his love of music became a treasured part of his service to God and to his congregation. From 1955 until he was no longer able, he sang as a soloist and as a member of the quartet and choir. His voice and his presence were a comfort and a blessing to many, and his commitment to worship reflected the depth of his faith. A proud graduate of Scottdale High School, Class of 1953, David went on to complete his education at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in 1955. He built a long and respected career in aviation, beginning with National Airport in Washington, D.C., from January 1956 through March 1959, and then serving at Pittsburgh International Airport from 1959 to 1961. In 1966, he joined United Airlines at Chicago O’Hare International Airport Field as an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, where he devoted 29 years of service until his retirement in 1994. His work reflected his skill, discipline, and reliability, and he took pride in doing his part with excellence. David also served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard HqHq Co 28th Division 110th Infantry Division. He later transferred to the Washington, D.C. National Guard Engineering unit, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. His military service was another expression of his sense of duty and honor, and he carried that same steadfast character throughout his life. Music remained one of David’s great joys beyond the church. He was a barber shop singer with the Arlingtones Barber Shop Chorus in Arlington Heights, Illinois, for 10 years and with the Somerset Road Garden Chorus of Somerset, Pa., for 11 years. He was also an avid hunter for most of his life, and he found peace and satisfaction in the outdoors. In later years, he served as a greeter at the Flight 93 Memorial, where his welcoming nature and respectful presence were a fitting reflection of the man he was. David is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Gwendolyn L. “Gwen” Detwiler of Connellsville; his two daughters, Lynne A. Elms and her husband Gary of Bloomingdale, Ill., and Christine F. Victoria and her husband Maurice of St. Charles, Ill.; his grandchildren, Jamie Elms, Jacqueline Victoria, and Taylor Victoria, all of Illinois; his great-grandchild, Lauren Macris of Illinois; And his Sister-in-law, Carole of Green Fork, Indiana. In addition to his Parents, David was preceded in death by: His Brothers: Gerald Detwiler and Ralph W. Detwiler David’s family will greet friends on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Pennsville Baptist Church 3298 Richey Road Mt. Pleasant, Pa.15666 from 10AM – 11:30AM at which time his Funeral Service will begin with Pastor Terry Murray and Pastor Robert Bixel, officiating. Everyone please go directly to church. Private Committal Services and Interment will follow in Scottdale Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be bestowed at the gravesite by the Mt. Pleasant American Legion Post #446. To view online obituary, send online condolences, send flowers, please visit www.kapr.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David A. Detwiler, please visit our floral store.