Frederick John DeWitt, 79, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly but of natural causes on Thursday, February 13, 2020, in Niles, Michigan. He was born on April 11, 1940, to the late Harold and Geneva (Place) DeWitt in Alma. After graduating from high school, Fred enlisted in the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam War and until his retirement. He was a proud veteran who was a Purple Heart recipient due to the loss of his right arm during a firefight in combat. On March 17, 1966, he wed Phyllis Kennett and the two raised their five children. After his retirement, he attended Metro State University in Denver, Colorado, where he earned his teaching degree. He wasn’t one to sit idle and went on to teach fulltime for over 25 years. Less than three months after retirement, Fred decided that sitting home wasn’t his cup of tea and went back to work as a substitute teacher. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Geneva DeWitt. He is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Phyllis DeWitt; children John DeWitt of Hugo, Colorado; Jason (Cindy) DeWitt of Dexter, Missouri; Jerry DeWitt of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Jeff (Tami) DeWitt of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and Jodi McClellan of Littleton, Colorado: great-granddaughter whom he helped raise, Linora Haselton; several grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; siblings Robert DeWitt of Northville, Michigan and Kathy (Gary) Eyer of Ashley, Michigan; and many extended family members and close friends. He has been cremated and his family will be remembering him privately at this time. Plans for a Celebration of Life are currently pending. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.