Henry DeWitt

Decorated World War II Veteran
 

Henry DeWitt, 85, of Pennsville and formerly of Upper Deerfield Township, died peacefully Sunday evening February 25, 2007 surrounded by his family.

The husband of the late Dorothy B. DeWitt (nee Beebe), they were married for over thirty five years. Born in Wyoming Co., PA he was the son of the late Jacob John DeWitt and the late Mary Elizabeth DeWitt (nee Hensz).

Following school, he worked on various local farms throughout Cumberland and Salem County. After over twenty years of farming he took a position with E.I. du Pont de Nemours in Carney’s Point as a chemical operator. After thirty one years of service he retired June 30, 1978.

A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served as a light machine gunner for the famous 4th Infantry Division while serving in the European Theater of Operations. PFC DeWitt was awarded the Purple Heart Medal during combat operations in the Rhineland. He was honorably discharged at the end of the war.

Mr. DeWitt’s greatest passion continued to be gardening at his home “Windmill Gardens” on Big Oak Road in Upper Deerfield Twp. He also loved to watch Major League Baseball and NASCAR Racing on television.

He is survived by one daughter, Sandra McCaa and her husband Jim of Bear, DE, two sons, Henry “Hank” DeWitt Jr. of Salem and Kenneth D. DeWitt and his wife Lillie of Upper Deerfield Twp., one step-son, Tom Graham and his wife Joline of Orlando, FL, fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and two sisters, Louise Manton of Buena and Fannie Riley of Deepwater. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Kathy DeWitt, one son, Jerry DeWitt, one daughter-in-law, Peggy DeWitt, one grandson, Harry “Buddy” DeWitt and one brother Donald DeWitt.

Funeral services will be held Thursday morning March 1st at 11 o’clock at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St., Bridgeton with Pastor David L. Strope of the West Park United Methodist church officiating.

The interment will take place at Friendship-Finley Cemetery in Upper Deerfield Township.

Friends will be received at the funeral home Thursday morning between 10 and 11.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

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