Obituary of Fred DeWitt

Frederick John DeWitt, 79, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly but of natural causes on Thursday, February 13, 2020, in Niles, Michigan. Fred was born on April 11, 1940, to the late Harold and Geneva (Place) DeWitt in Alma, Michigan. After graduating from high school Fred enlisted in the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam War and until his retirement. Fred was a proud veteran who was a Purple Heart recipient due to the loss of his right arm during a firefight in combat. On March 17, 1966, he wed Phyllis Kennett and the two raised their five children. After Fred’s retirement, he attended Metro State University in Denver, Colorado where he earned his teaching degree. He wasn’t one to sit idle and went on to teach fulltime for over 25 years. Less than three months after his retirement Fred decided that sitting home wasn’t his cup of tea and went back to work as a substitute teacher. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Geneva DeWitt. Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Phyllis DeWitt; children, John DeWitt of Hugo, Colorado, Jason (Cindy) DeWitt of Dexter, Missouri, Jerry DeWitt of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Jeff (Tami) DeWitt of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Jodi McClellan of Littleton, Colorado; great-granddaughter whom he helped raise, Linora Haselton; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert DeWitt of Orthville, Michigan and Kathy (Gary) Eyer of Ashley, Michigan; and many extended family members and close friends. Fred has been cremated and his family will be remembering him privately at this time.