Robert A. Detrick

Robert A. Detrick, born on Dec. 11, 1944, passed away peacefully at home in Auburn, Indiana, on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Bob was born at Souder’s Hospital in Auburn to Ida and James Douglas Detrick II.

Bob lived his entire life in Auburn, attending McKenney Harrison primary school and graduating from Auburn High School in 1962. He went on to attend Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and graduated with an Electrical Engineering Technology degree in 1965.

He was a proud American, who honorably served as a Staff Sergeant in the Indiana National Guard from 1966-1972.

After serving his country, he began his formal work life at Magnavox in Fort Wayne, Indiana, working there for several years. Bob then transitioned to Dana/Eaton Corporation in Auburn, where he proudly worked as “The Colonel” in their testing lab for 47 years. Bob worked two jobs for many years, taking over his father’s Universal Games business. It was in this role that many became familiar with him around town, providing gaming machines, most notably at the Moose and Elks lodges, Crickets, the Bowling Alley and Pizza King.

In addition to his work life, Bob was an active member of several organizations, including the Moose, Elks, American Legion, Knights of Columbus and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Bob enjoyed flying his Cessna, red-ear fishing with Jan, and spending time with his family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Connie Sue (Metcalf) Detrick.

Survivors include his wife, Janet (Metcalf) Detrick, of Auburn; brother and sister-in-Law, James Douglas III and Kathy Detrick, of Santa Rosa, California; daughter and daughter-in-law, Nicole and Julie Detrick, of Carmel, Indiana; son and daughter-in-law, Grant and Liz Detrick, of Chicago, Illinois; stepdaughter and son-in-Law, Taya and Chad Stillwell, of Churubusco, Indiana; stepson, Todd Rieke, of Auburn, Indiana; nieces, Debbie Detrick and Jennifer Rush, of Santa Rosa, California; nephew, James Douglas Detrick IV, of Santa Rosa, California; grandchildren, Audrey Freed (Evan Freed), Dalton Rieke (Shaniah Rieke), Meghann Voigt (Austin Voigt), Mackensie Rieke (Charlie Fuleki), Turner Detrick, twins Mairin and Clare Detrick and Nolan Detrick; and great-grandchildren, Brynlee Voigt, Hadlee Voigt and Emery Fuleki.

In lieu of a memorial service and flowers, Bob requested donations be made to the DeKalb Humane Society, P.O. Box 806, Auburn, IN 46706.

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