Lancecorporaljoshua Eli Witsman

Lance Corporal Joshua "Darsh" "Boomer" Eli Witsman, 23, of Oakwood, formerly of Covington, passed away at 11:29 a.m. Wednesday, May 30th, 2012 in the Kajaki District of Afghanistan, while serving with Weapons Company 2nd Battalion 5th Marines. Josh was born on September 8th, 1988, in Danville, the son of Tom and Kayla P. (Hannan) Witsman. He married Stacey Lynn Blackman on November 25th, 2011, in Covington by Patty Gritten. She survives. He is also survived by his parents- Tom and Kayla Witsman of Covington; two step-sons- Andrew Lunt and Vincent Cox of Oakwood; brother- Adam (Hannah Whittington) Witsman of Covington; maternal grandmother- Sharon (Tony) Curry of Danville; maternal grandfather- Jerry Hannan of Westville; nephew- Henlee Witsman of Covington; and numerous very close and special friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmother- Susie Witsman. Josh graduated from Covington High School in 2007. He attended college at Ivy Tech University, working in the plumber and pipe fitters program. Josh enlisted with the United States Marine Corps, on February 17th, 2009, serving two tours of duty in Afghanistan. During his time in Afghanistan he served with Lima Company 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and later Weapons Company 2nd Battalion 5th Marines. He was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one Bronze Star, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal ISAF and Rifle Expert Badge (Third Award). Josh enjoyed hunting, camping and just being outdoors sitting around a fire. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and just giving them a hard time. Josh was always a self proclaimed momma's boy and he was proud of that. A Celebration of the life of Lance Corporal Joshua Eli Witsman will be at 2:00 p.m. est. Sunday June 10th, 2012 at the Covington High School Gymnasium, with Pastor Bobby Fairchild officiating. He will be laid to rest in West Lebanon Cemetery, with full military rites conducted by the United States Marine Corps. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. est. Friday, June 8th, 2012 at the Covington High School Gymnasium. Sunset's Covington Chapel is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Josh's name to the Covington Community Foundation, where a scholarship has been established. Please join Josh's family in posting memories, photos or videos on his tribute wall at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.