Former New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc. CEO remembered for community impact
Detwiler, former New Enterprise Stone & Lime chief, died July 7
Donald L. Detwiler stands with his bulldozer at the Canoe Creek Farm. Courtesy photo
Detwiler
Donald L. Detwiler stands with his bulldozer at the Canoe Creek Farm. Courtesy photo
Detwiler
Living in the area for more than 80 years, former New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc. president and CEO Donald L. Detwiler knew Blair County like the back of his hand, according to family and friends.
He knew of every road and dirt path within 200 miles of his house, daughter Kim Detwiler Van Buren said, as he was notorious for taking friends and family members on shortcuts.
"He knew every way to get everywhere," son-in-law Jamie Van Buren said.
Detwiler, 83, passed away July 7 at his Hollidaysburg residence after a brief battle with glioblastoma.
While working at his family business, he contributed to community organizations, such as the Blair County Historical Society, the Altoona-Blair County Development Corp., American Rescue Workers, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Juniata College and Easterseals.
He also had a hand in other organizations, including the American Concrete Pavement Association, the Associated PA Constructors and the Transportation Research Board committee on Concrete Pavement Technology.
Van Buren said his father-in-law helped local and national organizations develop new ideas and move forward.
"I think he found the places that he loved and supported places he felt needed help and leadership," Van Buren said.
Born on Aug. 18, 1942, Detwiler was destined to help with the family business established in 1924 by J.S. Detwiler and his son, Paul I. Detwiler. Donald Detwiler's father, Dale W. Detwiler, became president on June 14, 1973.
He attended Central Martinsburg High School before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Juniata College in 1964.
He continued to support Juniata College throughout his life, offering scholarships and encouraging young students in Altoona to attend the school, according to President James Troha.
Detwiler also served on the board of trustees for 18 years and was named Trustee Emeritus in 2012 after he stepped down from the board.
"He was a terrific ambassador of the college," Troha said, adding that he was someone to depend on if anyone needed help.
After additional studies in computer programming and management at Penn State University, he became a director in 1972 at New Enterprise Stone & Lime and worked his way to president and CEO in the 1990s.
He worked with his family on small and large projects to grow the company, Van Buren said.
A former chairman of the American Concrete Pavement Association described Detwiler as the "Arnold Palmer of the Pennsylvania concrete pavement industry," according to Pennsylvania chapter President John Becker.
Becker said that Detwiler oversaw roughly 14 million square yards of concrete in the commonwealth throughout his career at New Enterprise, "which is an astronomical number."
Detwiler served one term as chairman of the American Concrete Pavement Association national board, before the association branched off into the northeast and state chapters. He was also part of different committees of the association.
While he left the board many years ago, Becker said Detwiler was still an active and supportive member of the association.
"We felt his loss when he slowly started stepping down," Becker said. "He was a presence in our organization."
Detwiler was described as a family man who left behind his second wife, Judy; his two daughters, Kim Detwiler Van Buren (Jamie) and Dr. Karen Detwiler Bascom (Rob); stepson, William Rossman (Gina); seven grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lynnea Knavel, after more than 50 years of marriage.
In his free time, he enjoyed visiting Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, along with skiing, hiking and playing golf with his friends. He also enjoyed flying his plane and traveling across the country and the world. He was also a devoted member of The Well of Blair County.
He received the Lifetime Achievement award from the Blair County Chamber of Commerce in 2009 and eventually retired from New Enterprise in December 2021.
Longtime friend and former head of Hite Company, Lee Hite, said that Detwiler was a great guy who cared about his people.
"He liked people, and people liked him," Hite said.
While Hite recognized Detwiler's contribution to New Enterprise and the community, he also mentioned the shortcuts Detwiler knew off the back of his hand.
"He was a fun person, and there were a lot of good things about him, and I will miss him," Hite said.
Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.