Don DeWitt

Donald L. DeWitt of Norman, Oklahoma beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home, April 29 at age 86.

He was born October 8, 1938, in Deloit, Iowa, to Wade and Ethel (Lownes) DeWitt. After graduating from high school at the age of 17, Don persuaded his mother to sign papers allowing him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He formed enduring friendships with fellow recruits during boot camp, and in 2018, he reconnected with many of them for a 50-year reunion at Camp Pendleton, California.

After serving in the Marine Corps, Don joined the Railway Postal Service—a position that brought him to Nebraska and gave him the opportunity to attend the University of Omaha. He earned a bachelor’s degree in History and Spanish followed by graduate studies in Latin American History at Creighton University. While in Omaha, he met his future wife, Beverly, and they were married in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1967.

The couple moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Don completed a Ph.D. in Latin American History at the University of Arizona. He was awarded a fellowship from the Organization of American States to do research at the University of Panama.

Don’s career in archives began at the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson. He later worked at the National Archives Regional office in Seattle, Washington and as the Director of the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming. He concluded his career as curator of the Western History Collections at the University of Oklahoma, where he retired after four decades in the field.

In retirement, Don devoted himself to his lifelong passions: stamp collecting, reading, flying, travel, and family. Over the years, he owned and piloted several planes, frequently participating in local and national fly-ins. He especially enjoyed attending the EAA AirVenture air show and fly-in conventions in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Don and Beverly loved traveling and discovering new destinations together. Their final adventure was a memorable cruise along the Amazon River. His reading interests reflected his deep curiosity—particularly in historical Christianity, theology, and classic detective fiction.

Don also spent countless hours researching and cataloging stamps for his collection. This hobby led him to learn about a wide range of people, places, and historical events. When traveling abroad, he made it a tradition to visit the local post office to buy a postcard and stamp, which he would mail to himself in the U.S. Through this passion, he developed many enduring friendships, some of which began with a simple email.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Beverly; daughters Jennifer DeWitt (David Parks), Sarah Morris (Jason), and Kate Bacon (Paul); and grandchildren Austin Hicks, Ollie Parks, Eleanor Bacon, Clara Bacon, and Lily Anne Morris.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Jad Kebbe MD, The Oklahoma City Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group, and the Frontier Hospice team for their excellent care during Don’s illness.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM. May 16 at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wings of Hope (https://wingsofhope.ngo/get-involved/tribute/) or to the American Philatelic Museum, APRL Donation, 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823 marked in memory of Dr. Donald DeWitt.

Don will be remembered for his thoughtful intellect, quiet curiosity, kind spirit, and unwavering love for his family and faith.