CA John Detten
CA John Detten, known to family and friends as John, passed away on June 25, 2026 in Sherman, Texas, at the age of 72.
John was born on July 7, 1953 in Amarillo, Texas, and he lived a life marked by service, devotion and quiet strength. He was a Christian man whose faith guided the way he treated others, and he was known throughout his life as a loving, intelligent and handy man who could be counted on in any situation. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his warm heart, and the pride he took in doing things well.
John graduated from Claude High School in 1970 and went on to continue his education at Texas A&M University, where he studied as an education major with a specialization in biology. He also attended West Texas State University and Amarillo College, and he later completed his training as a graduate of the Panhandle Regional Law Enforcement Academy. His education reflected both his curiosity and his commitment to serving others, and he carried that dedication into every chapter of his life.
John devoted much of his career to public service and leadership. From 2003 until 2026, he served as a Tribal Advocacy Senior Advocate in Human Resources for the Choctaw Nation, where he was respected for his professionalism, compassion, and strong sense of responsibility. Before that, he served as Police Chief in Bovina, Texas, and also worked with All-State Security Industries in Amarillo. In each role, he brought integrity, discipline, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. His work left a lasting impression on the people and communities he served.
Outside of work, John found joy in simple and meaningful things. He enjoyed working with his hands and had a special talent for leatherwork, creating beautiful purses, wallets, and saddles that reflected both skill and care. He loved to read, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He cherished his dog, Sadie, very much, and he took great pleasure in watching Jeopardy and seeing how many questions he could answer correctly. These interests were a reflection of the thoughtful and engaged man he was, always eager to learn, create, and share time with those he loved.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn Detten. He is survived by his two children: Jason Detten and Andrea Lee, as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in them.
Arrangements are under the direction of Prater- Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home. Declaration of Independence ...continued from Page 1A
they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”
