Mark Perry DeWitt

Cremation by Lincoln Memorial. Service and reception will be held at a later date. For updates visit www.lincolnfh.com.

Mark was the first of four children born to Hazel Ruth (James) and Mark Albert DeWitt on August 26, 1949 in Hastings, Nebraska.

Mark attended St. Cecilia’s Catholic School, and graduated Hastings High in 1967, where he played for the golf team.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Mark joined Acacia fraternity, and majored in economics and business administration. He tended bar at his parents’ steakhouse in Hastings, The Sportsman, during breaks. He earned his Bachelor's degree in 1971.

It was on the UNL campus where Mark met the love of his life, Paulette, while walking to class. He and Paulette were married December 23, 1972. They lived in Hastings for a few years where he continued working for the family business, until settling in Lincoln.

Together they raised three daughters, Angela, Laura, and Rebecca.

Mark worked for the State of Nebraska for over 30 years, the majority of those spent working as a security specialist at the Lincoln Regional Center, on the 3-11pm shift. He was happy to retire in 2015 after many dedicated years.

A lifelong horse-racing fan, Mark spent much of his free time betting the ponies with his racing buddies at the Lincoln track, located for decades at State Fair Park and later at Lincoln Race Course/Legacy Downs.

He also enjoyed going for drives and nature walks, observing the night sky, listening to his eclectic blend of favorite music, having deep talks as well as joking around, eating his favorite meals like Runza cheeseburgers with pickles and onion with a milk, and visiting the special places of his past. He lovingly maintained his gray ‘77 Mercury Marquis, the “Merc,” bringing it to his friend, Carrol Utley’s Auto Service for decades. Mark was also an avid rock collector and inherited an interest in coin collecting from his father, passing these traditions down to his youngest, Rebecca. A self-described “people person,” he had a warm greeting and a smile for everyone he met.

Mark was a loving, generous, affectionate, supportive, expressive, gentle-hearted and one-of-a-kind Dad, Grandpa, and Husband who, above all, was happiest spending time with his family. Although separated for a decade, Mark remained devoted to Paulette. He believed in God.

He spent the last years of his life being lovingly cared for at Independence House - Mandarin by angels on earth. Special thanks to Traditions Health hospice team for coming alongside his journey.

Survived by wife, Paulette DeWitt, daughters Angela DeWitt, Laura DeWitt, Becca DeWitt, and son-in-law Chad White, grandchildren Noelle and Milo White, all of Lincoln; niece Katie DeWitt Hall and nephew Michael McDonald, sister Mary DeWitt Walter, and niece Amy DeWitt, all of Colorado; and many cousins and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Mark Sr. and Hazel DeWitt, brother Max DeWitt, sister Faythe DeWitt McDonald, lifelong friend Robert Curtis, and many beloved pets.