Melvin Lester Detmer

Melvin Lester Detmer, Jr. ("Mel"), 73, of Chico, California passed peacefully on June 12, 2021 at Enloe Medical Center in the presence of immediate family and after a full morning of "good vibes" from friends who could not be with him. A fifth generation California boy, Mel was born on July 8, 1947 in Oakland, California and was the eldest of two sons to parents Audrey Jeanette and Melvin Lester Detmer, Sr. Mel graduated from the University of California - Chico with a degree in mechanical engineering and spent 15 years designing and manufacturing in the glass industry, leaving the indelible mark of his unique and creative approach across multiple North American states. After returning to Chico with his family in 1980, Mel took to the range and became a successful farmer working and managing farms across Butte County, California, including The Nichols Range and the historic Rancho Llano Seco. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susan Betty (Thurmon) Detmer, son Matthew Lane Detmer (Lucy Fato), daughter Amanda Jeanette Detmer (Jeremy Votava), grandson Jake Peter Detmer, granddaughters Malibu Tailor Detmer, Valentina Sue Detmer and Audrey Violet Votava, brother Rodney Detmer (Virginia Detmer), and his beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Riley. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Butte Humane Society at buttehumane.org.