Bruce Lionel DeWitt

Bruce Lionel DeWitt, age 88 passed away on October 19th, 2018 at Hospice's Legacy House in Ocala, FL. Bruce was born March 18th, 1930 in Pumpkin Town, Indiana to the late Dennis and Ruth (Hollingsworth) DeWitt. He was the oldest of four children. Bruce grew up in New Castle, Indiana. He was a golden glove boxer in high school and an excellent student; after high school he joined the U.S. Navy. It was during his time in the Navy, while stationed in Kansas, he met Thelma Graff. After just a couple of dates Bruce was so taken with Thelma, he asked her to marry him, only to be transferred shortly after. Although separated by coasts the two wrote many letters. After getting out of the service Bruce and Thelma relocated in Indiana, where they got married in 1955 at his parents' home. He attended Earlham College for Engineering/Architecture and played football, both of which he excelled, but left college when his first child was on his way. After the birth of their children Jeffrey, Kathleen and Charmaine, Bruce and Thelma made their home in Spiceland, Indiana. Bruce spent more than 25 years in Spiceland working as a scheduler for Diamond Container Box Factory and for a short time as a clock repairer at a small Jewelry store in a neighboring town. In 1982 himself, Thelma and their youngest daughter moved to Tavares, Florida. (The older two children soon followed.) Bruce was a dedicated, hard worker and received many awards for never missing a single day's work. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He looked forward to time spent with his family, especially holidays. (It attested to the big child in him) He was a kind, good hearted man, a huge flirt, loved a good joke or prank, telling a good story and was always up for a water fight. He was an avid reader, liked to fish, play the organ, collect things, just to name a few. In short Bruce totally enjoyed life, his family and loved to share its simply pleasures with those around him. He will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with, as well as those he reached but never met. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 63 years, his daughter Kathleen and brother Michael. He is survived by his Brother- Jack DeWitt, Sister-Barbara Tressy, Son-Jeffrey DeWitt; Daughter-Charmaine Holder, Son-in-Law-Ralph Holder, four grandchildren- Jessica, Joe, Rodman and Mitchell, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and many friends. Family, friends, and others whose lives Bruce touched are invited to the Beyer's Funeral Home, 1123 W Main Street, Leesburg, FL. Visitation starting at 4:30 p.m., followed by memorial service at 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, to reminisce, grieve, support each other, share laughter and, of course, just chat. Life is what you celebrate. All of it. Even its end!

Bruce Lionel DeWitt

March 18, 1930 - October 19, 2018