Edward Lamar "Ed" Detwiler, 77, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 25, 2021 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan following a brief illness.  He was born in Wakarusa on April 25, 1944 to the late Carlisle and Lillian (Sahlhoff) Detwiler.  He later married Diane L. Hartman on June 3, 1989 in Reno, Nevada. She passed away in Elkhart in October of 2020.

Surviving Ed is his son Eddie C. Detwiler of Elkhart; daughter April Van Giesen of Alabama; step-sons Roger G. (Gay) and Darren L. (Christine) Eby, both of Elkhart, and Roy (Jill) Swoape of Portage, Michigan and Damon (Nicole) Swoape of Elkhart; brothers David (Debbie) Detwiler of Bristol and Ken Detwiler of Lake Placid, Florida; sisters Mary Butcher and Cindy (Gary) Bontrager, both of Elkhart, Bonnie Nicolai and Patty (John) Carpenter, both of Goshen, as well as grandchildren Taylor, Alex, Shawn, Brock, Dalton and Cole; one great grandson Kian, and a host of loving extended family, good friends, in-laws, out-laws and a long string of business associates. Along with his parents, Ed is preceded in death by his step-son Christopher Eby and great grandson Shawn Eby II.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart will be hosting Ed's memorial homegoing service on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 12:00 noon, with visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Pastor Jeremy Sarber will be officiating the services. In accordance with his wishes, Ed's remains have been cremated. Ed served as the President and CEO of Travel Accessories (an automotive parts manufacturer) of Orland, California for over 22 years. He then acquired the White Pines Resort in Bemidji, Minnesota and ran that for another 15 years. Finally, he owned and operated the Bridgeview Inn in Mottville for many years before selling that establishment, where it is currently known as Jaywalker's. Ed's influence can still be found there with the weekend prime rib specials and their signature "camelback gizzards" appetizer, among others.

Ed was also the quintessential "family guy", and just loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren and family. "Grandpa" was a name that he took to fondly, and Ed taught the kids many things as they grew over the years. He liked to putter around in his garden at home and was considered an excellent cook with (what else?) prime rib being his specialty.

Finally, it should be mentioned that Ed had a large network of friends, business associates, colleagues and contacts, all of whose friendships Ed cherished and appreciated. He loved to bowl and play softball in his earlier years, but he also loved to go fishing and playing Euchre with Diane as his partner when they were still together.

Memorial donations may be to the charity of one's choice. Friends and relatives are encouraged to read the obit and leave condolences, memories and/or pictures of Ed by clicking "Tribute Wall" on his obituary page on the funeral home's website and then following the prompts.