J. Dick Witt
September 16, 1929 — September 14, 2024
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Service Details
J. Dick Witt passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024, two days before his 95th birthday.
Dick was born September 16, 1929, in Des Moines, Iowa to John and Catherine Witt. He owned and operated Witt’s Signs, hand-painting signs for businesses. Dick enjoyed fishing and hunting in his spare time.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis Witt; daughter, Teri Witt-Cosper; grandson, Jimmy (Monica) Gustin; great-grandchildren, Hanna, Adlea, Libby, Amanda, Jordan, and Bailey; sister, Sue Bauman; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Randy Cosper; brother, John Witt; and sister, Almyra Neighbors.
According to his wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no viewing or services.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
James Wilson Jr
10/01/2024
Phyllis
I am sorry to hear about Dick passing may he RIP.
Judy Wilson's (Lair) son
Jim
Brenda Welch
09/22/2024
Dick Witt ! What a nice guy. He and my Dad were very close back in the day. He was the best man at my Mom and Dad's Wedding. So very sorry for your family's loss. From the Family of Gus Welch .
Ed
09/17/2024
So many stories we would go to the dog races at aksarban winner would by dinner on the way home, then field trials, water races, coon hunting, going to Rutledge gun n dog auctions, I missed him since he started his disease, love u uncle dick...
Raymond John Bekeris
09/16/2024
Memories of My Uncle Dick
A Tribute to an Extraordinary Man
I remember spending summers as a teenager in the 1960's, starting when I was around 12, with my uncle Jimmy Dick Witt (he was called Dick). He had a girlfriend named Phylis who had several sisters who grew up in the house behind his. Phylis has been with him since.
He would take me to field trials and water races for the dogs he was raising (Coonhounds). Sometimes, he would have 20 to 30 dogs, and he always had a case full of trophies. When I was staying with my uncle Dick, he often took me Coon hunting; Coon hunting was at night. On occasions he would have me climb the tree and shake the coon out of the tree. He was always the toughest man around. Some of the names of his dogs were Red Spec, Blue Spec, Show Boat, and Speed Boat, but my favorite was River Jack (I practically raised River Jack who turn into a real champion field trial dog).
At one time, he boxed professionally from about 1947 to about 1950, he may have been golden gloves champion which I have been told he was, then he started painting signs, following in the footsteps of his parents, John and Catherine Witt (his parents were world class as far as warmth, honesty, and all qualities). He had the best parents ever; they were my grandparents. John Witt, and Almyra and Sue were his 3 brothers and siters. Almyra was my mother.
His lineage was equally impressive. His great great great-grandparents, at least one or more, were Captains in the Revolutionary War who fought for all of our Freedom. They were part of the founders of the United States. This has been documented.
There was one story I remember about when Dick (in his 30's at the time) was going to race cross country, against some college athletes. They were college long distance runners. He had psyched everybody out by saying that he comes on strong at the end. He had them run out in front of him while he stopped to have lunch with a friend who had a pickup truck. Then he was dropped off just before the end of the race and came on strong at the end. That story was talked about for years.
Uncle Dick was one of the most friendly and generous people I ever knew. When he gave a party, everybody was invited—the alcoholics next door, one of whom had one leg, Sam and Shorty living on the other side, the people across the way, and anybody else, including Big Daddy (another guy from the neighborhood). He was loved by everybody, except for one guy from Missouri that he ended up having to punch in the nose at one of the field trials. That was the bully from Missouri who came to Iowa and was taught that Iowa boys were not the kind that could be bullied.
This is just a little of what I remember about one of the most famous men that ever lived, in my opinion: Dick Witt. His legacy of kindness, strength, and a bit of mischief will always be cherished in my heart.