Thomas David Witten

1943 - 2025

Thomas David Witten

December 6, 1943 - February 22, 2025

Easton, Maryland - It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas David Witten announces his passing on February 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave was 81, but he lived a life that felt much larger than numbers on a page. While he may have lost the fight against cancer, anyone who knew him can agree he was a champion in every other way.

Born in Washington, DC, on December 6, 1943, Dave was the son of the late Shurl George Witten, Sr. and Ruth Rollins Witten. Dave's brothers, Shurl George Witten, Jr. and Donald W. Witten, Sr., as well as his sister-in-law, Belinda Witten and niece, Tara Jenkins, also predeceased him.

Dave is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 58 years, Brenda Pope Witten. While they didn't have children of their own, they were fortunate enough to borrow many children from family and friends over the years, a gift that brought them immeasurable joy. Those kids-who know who they are-have been blessed over the years with numerous seasoned words of advice, solicited or not (but always appreciated), that will impact them the rest of their lives. They had many four-legged children over the years. Some have already greeted him at the Rainbow Bridge-likely demanding treats, belly rubs and no doubt wagging their tails in welcome.

He is also survived by his nephews-Donald W. Witten, Jr., Evan Pope, and Jiles Pope-and his nieces, Hahnna Pope and Julie Pope; and great-nieces and nephews-Cierra Witten, Alex Witten, Parker Wonner, and Victor Wonner.

Dave was a proud graduate of Durham High School, Durham, NC, in 1963, and Chowan University, Murfreesboro, NC, from 1963-1965, where he was an exceptional football player and earned a spot in the Chowan University Hall of Fame.

He went on to serve his country honorably as a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard, reaching the rank of E6.

Dave's professional career spanned several decades, with notable positions for Marriott Corporation Healthcare Division as well as President of Canteen Corporation Healthcare Division.

In 1985, he founded Food Management Group, Inc. (FMG), a company that became a leader in providing contract foodservices. Dave retired in 2019 after decades of dedicated service to his industry.

Outside of his professional life, Dave was deeply involved in his community. As a young man, he served as the President of Talbot Pop Warner Football, coached the Team Rams Pop Warner Football in Easton, MD, coaching countless. He was the President of the Kiwanis Club in Easton, a proud member of the Elks Lodge and was honored as a Kentucky Colonel.

Dave was an avid collector of cars-if it had wheels, he probably wanted it. From a Model A to a Viper, and even a firetruck, his garage was more like a showroom. One of his greatest thrills was taking the Viper for a spin on the Indy 500 track.

Dave's love for his family, his work, and his community will be his legacy. His passing leaves a hole in many hearts, but his humor, generosity, and guidance will live on in the countless people he touched.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Dave's favorite causes: Chowan University Athletics (Football Program): athletics@chowan.edu or 252-398-1239; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: michaeljfox.org; Kawasaki Disease Foundation: kdfoundation.org; or Blind Veteran's Association: bva.org.

A celebration of Dave's life will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 S Harrison St, Easton, MD 21601.

For a complete obituary, a livestream of the service link and online condolences, please visit: www.fhnfuneralhome.com.