David H. DeWitte

David H. DeWitte 82, Kokomo, passed away Tuesday January 4, 2011 at home. Born on August 20, 1928 in Indianapolis, to Johannes and Wietske DeWitte, he married Willdis Burch of Bloomington on June 9, 1951. She preceded him in death.

He graduated from Howe High School in Indianapolis and Indiana University in Bloomington. He was a retired elementary school principal having served in that capacity locally at Taylor Elementary, Indian Heights Elementary and finally at Howard Elementary retiring in 1989. He was named IAESP Principal of the Year for District V in 1982. He was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa. He was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church and had been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels as well as having taught GED classes in his retirement. He was also a member of the Lions Club and Kiwanis. His wit and wisdom will be greatly missed.

As a senior at Howe High School he excelled in Cross Country as well as Track and Field having won the state title in the mile run his senior year. He continued his running career at IU and won the distinction of All-America status following his sophomore and junior years in cross country and earning eight varsity letters. He was drafted into the Army in 1950 and assigned to Ft. Monmouth, NJ where he went to OCS. He officiated at many local track meets, frequently as head starter.

He is survived by his four children, David and wife Donna Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Deborah, Kokomo, William, Indianapolis, and Richard and wife Renee, Fort Wayne; his nine grandchildren Rob, Lindsay, Lauren, Deidre, Roseanne, Dorianne, Maeve, Bryce and Graham, as well as two brothers.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two sisters and two brothers.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm Thursday at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 am Friday, also at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in support of the David H. DeWitte award through the Howard Elementary School Student Activities Fund 3526 N. 300 E. Kokomo, IN 46901. Condolences to the family may be made at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.