Donald Ray DeWitt

Donald R. DeWitt, 81, of Pekin, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on August 2, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Melvin and Ora DeWitt.

A proud veteran, Donald served his country honorably in the United States Army. Following his military service, he was a dedicated and hardworking man, spending many years employed with Celanese Corporation and later Inland Container. Though he took great pride in his work, one of his most cherished roles was that of a local disc jockey during the 1970s, where he became known to many as “Don Christie.” His voice became a familiar and beloved sound across Somerset, Leitchfield, and Hardinsburg, Kentucky, and he was especially proud to have served as Master of Ceremonies for the Oak Ridge Boys—a friendship he held dear throughout the years.

Donald was a man of simple joys and deep values. He was a homebody at heart, finding the greatest happiness in long conversations at the kitchen table with his beloved wife, Emmy. His sense of humor, warmth, and down-to-earth nature left a lasting impression on all who knew him. A Baptist by faith, he lived with quiet conviction and kindness.

In his free time, Donald enjoyed the comfort of his home, the laughter and company of family, and watching his favorite shows—Gunsmoke and Family Feud. His presence, stories, and laughter will be missed beyond measure.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and integrity that will be remembered by all who were fortunate to know him.

Don is preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Emmalean “Emmy” DeWitt; parents, Melvin Otis DeWitt and Ora Edna Warren DeWitt; and a brother, Garland DeWitt.

Left to cherish his memory, Don is survived by his 3 children, Bobby DeWitt, Billy DeWitt (Kim), and Neil DeWitt (Jennifer); 7 grandchildren, Jason DeWitt (Leslie), Christopher DeWitt (Alexis), Taylor DeWitt-Berryman (Patrick), Tori DeWitt, Trenton DeWitt, Austin Shive (Morgan), and Jenna DeWitt; 7 great-grandchildren, Madelyn DeWitt, Lawrence DeWitt, Jolene DeWitt, Hudson DeWitt, Miles Shive, Ryan Shive, and Angelina Shive; sister, Faye Anderson of Brandenburg, Kentucky; and a host of extended family and close friends.

A funeral service for Mr. Don DeWitt will be held at 2 PM on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Louisville Memorial Gardens West Funeral Home, 4400 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 3 PM to 8 PM; and prior to the service from 1 PM to 2 PM, at the funeral home. Burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens West will follow the funeral service.