Ronald 'Ron' S Dewitt

Ronald "Ron" Stacey DeWitt, 84, of Danville, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born August 25, 1939, in Miami, Florida, son of the late Raymond and Margaret Emma (Griffith) DeWitt.

Survivors include his wife Valerie DeWitt, two daughters: Dawn Wilson of Miami, Florida and Amy (Alan) Thomason of Cartersville, Georgia; 2 bonus children: Kent (April) Maskel and Shari (Jim) Wright; nine bonus grandchildren and 11 bonus great-grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by two sisters: Janice DeWitt and Donna Walton, and a nephew Daniel Walton.

Ron grew up in Miami, FL., Nashville TN., and Birmingham, AL. He enlisted in the Marines when he was 14, but when his age was discovered, he was made to wait. At age 16, when his dad signed for him, he joined, following his fathers footsteps. He spent time at Parris Island, South Carolina 1st Marine Air Wing, four years in Jacksonville, NC., and two years in the Reserves in Miami. He was a proud Marine and lived by the motto "Once a Marine, always a Marine." After serving his country, he worked for NASA for three years while living back in Miami. When NASA had a cut back, Ron went to work for Caterpillar and later for Hyster. He was transferred to Danville in 1993 when the Brunswick, Georgia plant closed and he met his wife, Valerie. In 1998, he transferred to Sacramento, California to service the West Coast Territory where he worked as a Field Service Engineer. Retiring in 2001, he and Valerie "went to work for the mouse" at Walt Disney World in Florida. Boating was among his favorite passions so it was no surprise that he would be a Captain on the Friendship Boats at Epcot. After returning to Danville, he and Valerie enjoyed traveling in their RV to Tucson, Arizona where they worked at Mission View RV Resort as camp hosts. Retiring for the 3rd time, he and Valerie enjoyed spending the winter in Las Vegas.

A true Southern boy, he loved his grits and used to say, "A Day without grits is like a day without sunshine." Ron laughed often and loved a good joke. He was a great cook and will be remembered for his apple dumplings, lasagna and sausage gravy. Picture taking was a hobby of his as well as golf. He also enjoyed weekly lunches with the Apollo RV Group. He was able to go to the new casino to play "The Dragon" machines which were his favorite. When at home, Ron enjoyed watching the deer in the backyard. He was a Scout Leader earlier in life and quite the adventurer having traveled to almost all the 50 states and abroad. Most of all, Ron loved his wife, his daughters, and he loved his family.

A Celebration of Life for Ron will take place at 11AM at the VA Illiana Healthcare Center Catholic Chapel 1900 E Main Street in Danville, Illinois on Friday, August 16, 2024. Burial will follow at Danville National Cemetery with military rites being conducted by American Legion Post 210. Visitation will be from 10AM-11AM on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the VA Illiana Healthcare Center Catholic Chapel.

Memorials in Rons name may be made to the Danville American Legion Post 210.

Please join Rons family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion Street in Danville, Illinois, is honored to be caring for the family.