Richard Henry Dettman

Richard Henry Dettman, 83, of Havelock, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at his home.

His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Munden Funeral Home & Cremations, officiated by Rev. David Mercer, with military honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through their obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Richard was born on March 29, 1939, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to the late George and Harriet Dettman. He attended Neptune High School. Richard soon after enlisted in the United States Marine Corps the same year. He married the love of his life, Tsuyako Yamagiwa Dettman on May 29, 1960. Richard served 3 tours in Vietnam. He worked as an aviation mechanic for NARF/NADEP. Richard retired from his military service in 1976 as a Gunnery Sergeant. He received numerous medals for his service, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Presidential Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal Navy Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Richard undoubtedly served his country well.

Richard enjoyed spending time with his wife, especially at breakfast, his favorite time of day. He had a green thumb, which showed in his gardening skills. Richard also enjoyed woodworking. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 7315. Richard practiced his Buddhist prayers daily with his prayer book, titled “The Liturgy of Nichiren Shoshu.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Tsuyako Dettman of the home; son, George D. Dettman of Chesapeake, Virginia; daughters, Carol Stubbs (Trawick) of New Bern, North Carolina; Sandy Mercer (David) of Babson Park, Florida; sisters, Ruth Dettman of Dallas, Texas, Barbara Sanchez of New Jersey; brother, Peter Brooks of New Jersey; 6 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carolina East SECU Cancer Center, 2000 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, N.C. 28560, or Disabled American Veterans Chapter 26, 468 US- 70, Havelock, N.C. 28532.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Cremations in Havelock, NC.