Bill Detamore, Class of 1951

Bill Detamore ’51 died Sept. 20, 2020. Bill was born in Darke County, Ohio, on Oct. 10, 1927 to the late Kenneth ’24 and Dorothy Beam Detamore. After serving in the Army during World War II, Bill attended Otterbein College and majored in music education. He was involved in the Pi Kappa Phi (Country Club) fraternity, choir, played basketball and football and met his wife, Shirley Adams ’51.

Bill obtained his first teaching position in Royal Oak, MI. In 1953, Bill and Shirley moved their family to McComb, where he taught vocal and instrumental music for 13 years. While teaching at McComb, Bill earned a master’s degree in music education from Bowling Green State University. Bill spent 10 years as the North Baltimore elementary principal and went on to hold the same position for Otsego schools. He retired in 1982. Bill was a Master Mason, a member of Phi Delta Kappa at BGSU and an active participant in the McComb Lions Club. He kept himself involved with music outside of work, including three years as the assistant director of the Ohio Lions All-State band, guest conductor for the McComb schools alumni band and chorus, and choir director of both his home church (McComb United Methodist) and, in retirement, North Baltimore’s St. James United Methodist.

Bill is survived by his wife Shirley ’51, sister Betty & Dick Shives and brother Phil Detamore ’55; sons Keith and Mark & Voni Detamore, daughters Diane & John Dendiu, Gail & Mike Malloy. Bill also leaves behind eight grandchildren Paul, Matt, Rachel, Michael, Joel, Josh, Jordan and Valerie, nine great-grandchildren Jadyn, Hollyn, Emma, Lucas, Landon, Addison, Ben, Levi and Josiah and his beloved cat, Benny.