Richard Douglas DeWitt

Richard Douglas DeWitt, age 80, was born on March 21, 1946 in the City Hospital in Springfield, Ohio and passed away on August 30, 2026 in Leesburg, Florida where he resided for the last several years with his wife, Donna Lambert-DeWitt.

Richard was the son of Dallie F. (Frost) DeWitt and John Elwood DeWitt. After graduating from Greenon High School, he enlisted in 1964 into the Marines until being honorably discharged on April 20, 1975. During that time, he worked on A6’s and A4’s as a Pneumatic and an Engine Mechanic and served 2 terms in Vietnam. He was also a Rifle Marksman and proudly earned a Good Conduct Medal. Following his service in the Marines, they assisted him in getting a job in Tacoma, Nebraska as a Deputy Sheriff where he worked in the Drug enforcement section. Following those duties, he was elected as the Police Chief in Oakland, Nebraska where he finished out his law enforcement career. Leaving the law enforcement agency, he moved back to South Vienna, Ohio and enlisted to active duty for the United States Air Force, serving at TITLE 32 at the Springfield Municipal Airport, also known as the National Guard Base. He was in the Air Force for 10 years and 8 months. During his first 8 years-9 months, he was an IAC Aircraft Maintenance Tech-General. The remainder of his Air Force career was spent as an Aircraft Pneudraulic Systems Specialist. He was commended with all sorts of awards and medals, including, a Bronze star, an Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Navy Marine Presidential Unity Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He received Honorable Active Military Service from 1982 to 1992.

His career took him into working for Newcome Air Shows in the Operations department and he was the only one Delta allowed to taxi their planes into their spots. Following this, he switched directions and bought a Scooter business.

Richard enjoyed working craft shows, car shows, Swap Meets and fairs renting and selling scooters. He enjoyed fishing and going out on his pontoon boat, especially with his brother, Larry and his sister, Nancy. Richard was the Director of the Yacht Club at the Holiday RV Village in Leesburg, where he enjoyed doing activities and planning events.

Richard is survived by his wife, Donna (Lambert) Dewitt of 12 years; his sister-in-law, Charleyne (JJ) DeWitt; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy (DeWitt) and Doug Watkins; his brother and sister-in-law, Ben and Sharon DeWitt; his brother, Larry DeWitt; special niece and nephew, Jeannie and Aaron Seery; special great nephews, Parker and Peyton Seery; special great niece, Taylor Seery; many special stepchildren; Lonnie, Monti, Kimberly, Lisa and Ricky; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon and Mike Gross; many special nieces and nephews, many special great nieces and nephews and special friends.

He was preceded in death by wife; Carol S. (Stewart) DeWitt; mother; Dallie F. DeWitt; father, John E. DeWitt; brother, John J. DeWitt; and sister-in-law, Sandra L. (Sandy) DeWitt.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 11am-1pm at Jackson Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center with service beginning at 1p.m. Burial will follow at Vernon Asbury Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to his family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.