Donald Dean Dewitt

December 7, 1929 - March 24, 2020

Don Dewitt was born on December 7, 1929 to Homer and Lela (Benson) Dewitt at home near Gibson, Iowa. He was the youngest of 6 siblings. The family eventually moved to rural Lacey, where he helped with crops, livestock and worked some at the family store in Lacey. He attended Lacey School where he played basketball and baseball (with his brothers and cousins, they almost had enough for their own team). After graduation in 1947, he started farming with his dad and brother, Raymond. On June 4, 1950, he was united in marriage to Barbara Lucile Walraven. To this union 4 children were born, Robert, Jim, Dennis and Randy. Don lived and farmed east of Lacey for most of his life. He was a devoted husband, dedicated father and grandfather who thoroughly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. He also liked watching the North Mahaska Warhawks sporting events. He especially looked forward to summer vacations fishing in Minnesota with family and friends. One-year Don and three buddies expanded their fishing adventure and made their way to Canada looking for walleye and northern pike. Later in life Don started deer hunting with his son Randy and his deer hunting group. He looked forward to getting together with the guys and scouring the countryside for deer. He enjoyed the hunting but the camaraderie with the group was just as much fun. He didn’t mind being teased about sleeping in the truck or wandering into the wrong piece of ground. The teasing quickly stopped when he displayed his accuracy with his gun. He quickly earned the nick name “dead eye” and lived up to it year in and year out. Though he enjoyed hunting and fishing he equally enjoyed sharing stories of his hunting and fishing adventures. Don and Lucile bowled for many years on various bowling leagues and in tournaments throughout Iowa. They also played cards with many different groups in the neighborhood. No matter the game Don enjoyed playing cards, but he loved to win, even if it was just for bragging rights. He was a member of Lacey Methodist church. Don served several years on the Board of Trustees for Adams Township. Don passed away at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at the age of 90 years, 3 months and 17 days. Don is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lucile Dewitt of Oskaloosa; his 4 children, Robert Dewitt of Lacey, Jim Dewitt of Kansas City, Kansas, Dennis (Marcy) Dewitt and Randy Dewitt all of Lacey. In addition of 4 grandchildren, Angela Landers of Oskaloosa, Bryan Dewitt and Collen Dewitt both of Lacey, and Tierney Dewitt of Oskaloosa; great grandson, Torrin Dewitt; his great granddaughters, Hailey and Addison Landers and two sisters in law, Pearldene Dewitt and Frances Walraven. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Alvin and his wife Geraldine, Charles (Gene) and Raymond Dewitt; 2 sisters, Evelyn Walraven and Vera LaRue; a daughter-in-law Diane Dewitt, and his brothers-in-law, Marvin Walraven and Okley LaRue; and a former sister-in-law, Helen Dewitt. Due to the restrictions put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health as an effort to protect our citizens from COVID 19, private family services will be held. Don will be buried at the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Lacey United Methodist Church, First Christian Church in Oskaloosa, or North Mahaska Education Foundation.