A funeral service for Richard “Dick” DeWitt, 88, of Jefferson, was 10:00 am Friday September 3, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, with interment in the Jefferson Cemetery.

Richard “Dick” J. DeWitt was born August 5, 1922 in the family home in Jefferson, Iowa. He was the youngest of three children born to Leo and Nellie (St. Peter) DeWitt.

Dick Grew up in Jefferson and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1941. Shortly after the beginning of World War II, Dick joined the Army Air Force and was assigned as a radio operator to a B-24 bomber squadron. Dick flew 30 missions over the European Theater including three during the D Day invasion of France.

Dick married Elizabeth “Betty” Cady on VE Day, May 8, 1945.  They were the parents of three children.  Dick and Betty have lived in the family home for the past 56 years as Dick worked his 30 year career as a mail carrier. 

Dick was an avid reader and sports enthusiast.  He was one of the founders and a life long supporter of the Jefferson Little League program.  He was an active participant in the community in numerous organizations, including the Jaycee’s, and city planning and zoning.  He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Jefferson.

Dick DeWitt died August 30, 2010 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.  He was 88 years of age.  Preceding him in death were his parents and a sister, Nedra McDonald. 

Dick will be deeply missed by his family.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty DeWitt of Jefferson, IA; children: Steve DeWitt and his wife Joanie of Marion, Iowa; Susan DeWitt of Jefferson, IA; and Jack DeWitt and his wife Jo of Jefferson, IA; sister, Greta Crowley of Nevada, IA; six grandchildren; great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.