Memorial Service Set For Beloved Toms River South Alum Allen Detwiler

TOMS RIVER, NJ -- A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, April 10, for Allen E. Detwiler, beloved Toms River High School South alumnus and son of former Toms River principal Nathaniel Detwiler, according to his obituary.

Allen E. Detwiler died April 3 at his home in Silver Ridge Park, Berkeley Township, according to his obituary on the Horizon Cremation and Funeral Services website. He was 82.

Allen Detwiler was the only child of Hazel and Nathaniel Detwiler, for whom the football stadium at Toms River South is named. Allen Detwiler was a lifelong resident of Toms River, according to the obituary.

He spent 23 years serving in the United States Coast Guard, retiring in 1977; U.S. Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet was his final command. During his career, among his assignments were stations in Antarctica and Governor's Island, N.Y. He helped coordinate the Benihana speedboat races that were held off the Manasquan coast for many years, according to his obituary.

Allen Detwiler was a 1952 graduate of Toms River High School (it was later renamed Toms River South) and was a longtime supporter of the school. He was also a member of VFW Post 6063, the American Legion, the Toms River Elks, and was a Mason.

Allen Detwiler is survived by his loving wife, Barbara and his loving daughters, Natalie Detwiler, Jessica Detwiler, and Allisen Detwiler. He also is survived by his wife's children, whom he loved dearly: Tom Slater and his wife Joan Marie; Kathy Slater; Steve Slater, and Mark Slater; his grandchildren, Nathaniel (Nate); Erin and her husband Jim; James; Lauren; Kelly; Alex; Brian; Rachel; Paolo; Jacob; Sammi; Joshua, and Chelsi, and one great-granddaughter, Grace.

Cremation was private and entrusted to Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services, 1329 Route 37 West, Toms River.

A memorial gathering and service, along with fraternal and military services, will be held on Sunday, April 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Toms River High School Class of '52 Scholarship Fund, 1329 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755 would be appreciated.

(Photo of Allen Detwiler with the Detwiler Victory Bell at Toms River High School South, via his obituary on the Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services website)