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BORN
1944
DIED
2024
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Ivan Witts Obituary
Ivan Witts
June 17, 1944 - December 6, 2024
Ivan Dwaine Witts entered his Heavenly home, wrapped in the arms of his wife on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Ivan was born on June 17, 1944, in Decatur, Ill., the son of Don Elmo and Bessie Elma America (Duncan) Witts.
He served his country in the Army for six years earning the rank of Sargent. Ivan had a variety of jobs during his working career such as painting grain elevators for Harold Cleveland, working for the City of Decatur water department, and an auto mechanic at Art's Garage. However, his passion was driving: a semitruck as an owner operator for Thunderbird Steel, as an employee for a variety of trucking companies, a one-ton van for Roberts Express, and as a dump truck driver for Gale D. Hutchens Excavating.
From an early age Ivan loved to travel and especially welcomed the opportunity to travel around the USA with his aunt and uncle even if it meant missing a few days of school. After Ivan married the love of his life, Debra Lorraine Price, on June 8, 1985, they traveled across the USA from Key West, Fla., to the far northwest tip of Washington and from San Diego, Calif., to Boston, Mass., experiencing the scenic beauty of America and visiting countless towns along the way. They also took their sons on trips including a 17-day trip across the plains, the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the prairie, and on to the coast of Oregon. They then drove down through California visiting the Redwoods and Sequoias before heading east to view the Grand Canyon, and Albuquerque, N.M., before arriving back home.
Ivan had excellent wood working skills and displayed his craftsmanship building beds, tables, decorative columns, lamps, trim work, and unique stair case railings. He also designed a log home that he and Debby were the general contractors and laborers for when it was built in Lake George, Colo. That home was one of three the couple enjoyed building together. Ivan was an avid NASCAR fan when Dale Earnhardt Sr. or Jr. were driving, and a dedicated Illini Basketball season ticket holder for more than 40 years.
Most importantly, Ivan learned about Jesus from an early age; his Mom faithfully took Ivan, and his siblings, to Decatur Foursquare Church every time the doors were open while they were growing up. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age, tried to be a good example, and was a lifelong member of Decatur Foursquare.
Surviving are his wife, Debby Witts of Decatur; son, Craig and Stacy (Schooley) Witts of Clinton, Ill.; son, Jeremy and Jennifer (Robinson) Witts of Nixa, Mo.; grandchildren, Shannon and Olivia Witts of Clinton, Ill.; Kaitlyn, McKinsey, and Lincoln Witts of Nixa, Mo. Brother, Harold (Debbie) Witts of Decatur, Ill.; sister, Karin Zindars of Decatur, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary L Witts; brother-in-law Ted Zindars; and infant grandson, Colin Witts. Ivan was a great husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, and cousin; he was loved by many, many people, and he loved them.
Funeral service to celebrate Ivan's life will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2024, in Camp Wilson Foursquare Church, 7570 W. Main Street, Decatur, Ill., with viewing one hour before the service. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, December 15, 2024, in Camp Wilson Foursquare Church. Burial will be in Steenburgen Cemetery located southwest of Mt Pulaski. Military honors will be conducted by the US Army and Macon County Honor Guard.
Memorials in Ivan's honor may be made to Camp Wilson Foursquare Church building project.
The family of Ivan Witts is being served by Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Homes, 2827 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, Ill. Send condolences to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com.
Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home
2827 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL, 62526
217-875-1283
June 17, 1944 - December 6, 2024
Ivan Dwaine Witts entered his Heavenly home, wrapped in the arms of his wife on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Ivan was born on June 17, 1944, in Decatur, Ill., the son of Don Elmo and Bessie Elma America (Duncan) Witts.
He served his country in the Army for six years earning the rank of Sargent. Ivan had a variety of jobs during his working career such as painting grain elevators for Harold Cleveland, working for the City of Decatur water department, and an auto mechanic at Art's Garage. However, his passion was driving: a semitruck as an owner operator for Thunderbird Steel, as an employee for a variety of trucking companies, a one-ton van for Roberts Express, and as a dump truck driver for Gale D. Hutchens Excavating.
From an early age Ivan loved to travel and especially welcomed the opportunity to travel around the USA with his aunt and uncle even if it meant missing a few days of school. After Ivan married the love of his life, Debra Lorraine Price, on June 8, 1985, they traveled across the USA from Key West, Fla., to the far northwest tip of Washington and from San Diego, Calif., to Boston, Mass., experiencing the scenic beauty of America and visiting countless towns along the way. They also took their sons on trips including a 17-day trip across the plains, the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the prairie, and on to the coast of Oregon. They then drove down through California visiting the Redwoods and Sequoias before heading east to view the Grand Canyon, and Albuquerque, N.M., before arriving back home.
Ivan had excellent wood working skills and displayed his craftsmanship building beds, tables, decorative columns, lamps, trim work, and unique stair case railings. He also designed a log home that he and Debby were the general contractors and laborers for when it was built in Lake George, Colo. That home was one of three the couple enjoyed building together. Ivan was an avid NASCAR fan when Dale Earnhardt Sr. or Jr. were driving, and a dedicated Illini Basketball season ticket holder for more than 40 years.
Most importantly, Ivan learned about Jesus from an early age; his Mom faithfully took Ivan, and his siblings, to Decatur Foursquare Church every time the doors were open while they were growing up. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age, tried to be a good example, and was a lifelong member of Decatur Foursquare.
Surviving are his wife, Debby Witts of Decatur; son, Craig and Stacy (Schooley) Witts of Clinton, Ill.; son, Jeremy and Jennifer (Robinson) Witts of Nixa, Mo.; grandchildren, Shannon and Olivia Witts of Clinton, Ill.; Kaitlyn, McKinsey, and Lincoln Witts of Nixa, Mo. Brother, Harold (Debbie) Witts of Decatur, Ill.; sister, Karin Zindars of Decatur, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary L Witts; brother-in-law Ted Zindars; and infant grandson, Colin Witts. Ivan was a great husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, and cousin; he was loved by many, many people, and he loved them.
Funeral service to celebrate Ivan's life will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2024, in Camp Wilson Foursquare Church, 7570 W. Main Street, Decatur, Ill., with viewing one hour before the service. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, December 15, 2024, in Camp Wilson Foursquare Church. Burial will be in Steenburgen Cemetery located southwest of Mt Pulaski. Military honors will be conducted by the US Army and Macon County Honor Guard.
Memorials in Ivan's honor may be made to Camp Wilson Foursquare Church building project.
The family of Ivan Witts is being served by Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Homes, 2827 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, Ill. Send condolences to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com.
Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home
2827 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL, 62526
217-875-1283
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Decatur Herald & Review on Dec. 11, 2024.
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