October 15th, 1930, was a cool still morning, wood smoke and mist created a heavy haze that had settled in the valley the night before. With dew dripping off autumn foliage the sun greeted the day over the Ozark Mountains bringing along with-it Glen. E.T. & Inez welcomed their pride & joy with open arms, christening him Leo Glen. The second of seven children, Glen spent his childhood traversing his beloved Ozarks with his siblings not too far behind.
The family moved north in the mid-40s settling in Leeton where Glen’s life took the most incredible turn. The smile on his face grew even wider as he heard the Crowder girl from the farm “one road over” say Yes to going out with him. From the beginning they were inseparable and on June 4th, 1950, he married his sweetheart and the love of his life Betty Jean. They spent the 50s & 60s deepening their love for each other and raising their six children. That unforgettable smile ever present through their 50 years of marriage.
Glen’s life took another incredible turn in the late 70s when he welcomed the first of eight Grandkids. He had already proven to be a good Husband & Father, but being a Grandpa was his true calling. The love he felt for his children was amplified 10-fold for his Grandkids becoming his absolute pride and joy. So he and Grandma spent the 80’s & 90’s guiding, loving & spoiling their Grandkids.
Glen loved tinkering around his farm, spending his days gardening, raising cattle, goats and the occasional hog all while surrounded by his loving helpers, his Grandkids. He encouraged the Grandkids to name the livestock and was sure to tell them which one ended up being served for dinner that night, poor Bessie. In his full deep voice Glen would serenade his Grandkids with the “Dog Song.” Glen had an incredible speaking voice which led his Grandchildren to rely on him as a prolific storyteller, never missing an opportunity to scoot in close to ask Grandpa for “one more story.” While he worked outside of the farm for many years, it’s safe to say his favorite job was being a Grandpa.
The morning of Sep 20th was again heavy & still, dampness clung to early autumn leaves. As the sun rose over the Ozark Mountains, surrounded by his children and family, Glen answered the “big call” and with the mist, rose to the Heavens.
He was preceded in death by his Parents; his Wife; Great Grandson Caleb Arms; two sons, Joseph Glen and Burrell Dean Detherage.
Glen is survived by his adoring children Brenda Arms, Debbie Detherage, Susie Joy & Donna Gardner; His beloved Grandkids; Granddaughters Heather Haase & Heidi Gardner;
Grandsons Chris & Andy Joy, Stephen Arms, Jason, Joshua & Jordan Detherage; Nineteen Great Grandchildren; Nine Great Great Grandchildren; two brothers, John & Dale Detherage; and sister Gail Shumate.
Now, it’s been said there ain’t never been anyone quite like ‘ol Glen Detherage, and truth be told, it was me the author who said that, but the sentiment is still correct and true.
Memories contributions are suggested to the Glen Detherage Memorial Fund. Checks can be made payable to Brenda Arms, left in care of Clinkingbeard Chapel.
Funeral services for Glen will be Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial following in the Detherage Cemetery (known as Friendship Cemetery) with full military honors by the U.S. Army and Troy Herd American Legion Post 112. Visitation will be Saturday prior to the service at 12:30 P.M.
Officiating will be Joshua Detherage.
