Mr. Dettenheim was born February 23, 1934 in Shreveport, LA to John Earl and Maggie Ruth Harris Dettenheim. He entered into rest on Friday, June 24, 2016 in Bossier City, LA. Mr. Dettenheim lived life on his own terms. He never aspired to be wealthy, but provided for his family. Mr. Dettenheim loved music but life on the road made him leave the professional side of it. Curiosity led him to Louisiana Tech where he received a psychology degree and later to LSU for a master’s degree. He cared about the quality of life for all and spent his career trying to find better ways to teach the learning disabled. Mr. Dettenheim loved his family and friends and showed it more through his actions than his words, although his words sometimes sounded like a philosopher. He loved his land which had been in his family for generations. Mr. Dettenheim knew every tree, creek and hollow and spent his retirement years in the house of his childhood. He was a friend, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great, great grandfather. He was the “fix it” man.

Mr. Dettenheim was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James E. Dettenheim; and a great grandson, Timothy E. Larkin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary A. Shows Dettenheim; five daugthters, Jeri A. Dettenheim, Elizabeth Dettenheim, Carol A. Dettenheim, Eve M. Dettenheim and Ruth E. Dettenheim; seven grandchildren, Sarah M. Hamann, Paul S. Hamann and wife Summer, Veronica E. Larkin, Amber N. Young and husband David, Erica K. Anderson, M. Skyy Dettenheim and Caleb W. Dettenheim; six great grandchildren, James E. Pierce, Destiny D. Larkin, Harmony I. Faz, M. Braden Young, Kamryn E. Young and Holly Hamann; and one great, great grandson, Jude A. Robins; along with numerous other relatives and friends.