Robert Lee DeWitt, 82, Billings, Missouri, departed this life June 15, 1993 in Nixa, after being involved in an automobile accident. Lee was born February 13, 1911 in Republic to Robert A. and Arminta (Fugitt) DeWitt.
In 1934 he was married to Julia Peters of Crane. After her death in 1947, Lee married Opal Daniel of Trenton. To this union was born a daughter, Sandra Lee DeWitt Teegarden, who precedes him in death.
Lee is survived by his spouse, Opal, of the home, Brown's Spring; two grandchildren, Jimmy and Jaclyn Teegarden, and their father Jim, Gladstone; one sister, Pauline Pearce, Brown's Spring; one niece, Carma Lee Little and spouse Norwood (Woody); two nephews, Bearl B. Pearce Jr., and Mickey Joe Pearce and spouse Becky, all of Billings; two grand-nephews, Lance Pearce and spouse, Regina, Clever, and Sgt. Matthew Shawn Pearce, Fort Bragg, N.C.; two grandnieces, Candise Lee Little and Christina Strohm and spouse Mike, Springfield; and a great-grandnephew, Cole Pearce, Clever.
Lee attended grade school at Brown's Spring, attended three years at Hurley High School, and graduated from Crane Hight School in 1930. Lee embarked into the education field in 1931 while teaching in his home district and later in several rural schools as he worked toward a masters degree with credits from SMS and Missouri University. Among the schools where he was high school superindintendent were: Abesville, Hurley, Crane and Greenfield. He also held other teaching jobs and when he retired after more than 40 years in education, it was from Director of Transportation of Kansas City North school district. After retirement, he came back to his farm home where he was reared in the Brown's Spring area.
Lee was an active member of Crane Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed working with organizations such as Lions Club, Masons, Eastern Star, Extension, and Retired Teachers Organization where he was the current president of the local district.
After being involved in so many activities everywhere, Lee always found someone who recognized him and always stopped to chat while companions waited.
The landscape about his farm home bears witness of his love for God's creations. Lee like to be a winner, and those of you who knew him best believed he had received the ultimate of Honor, and has heard, "Welcome Home, my good and faithful servant."
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Crane Presbyterian Church or to the charity of the donor's preference.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 21, 1993 in Crane First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Rodney Peters officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Manlove-Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane.