Robert Eugene DeWitt

A retired teacher, coach and poet, he died peacefully in his home in Baton Rouge at 4:25 p.m. Monday, June 25, 2007. He was 82 and a native of Tipton, Ind. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having fought in the Normandy invasion of Omaha Beach with the 117th Infantry, 30th Division, and suffering two wounds. He was the recipient of several medals, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Normandy Campaign Badge and European Theater Ribbon. Visitation at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Thursday, June 28, from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Michael Collins, celebrant. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. He is survived by his wife, Genevieve Judice Didier DeWitt; five daughters, Johanna Stiles, Bobbie Jo Wise, Lise Kenna, Laurie DeWitt and Gabrielle Lincoln; three sons, Jerry DeWitt, Sean DeWitt and Per Gene DeWitt; sister, Waneta Harlow; 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jacqueline DeWitt Hassell; son, Christopher DeWitt; former wife, Mary Joann DeWitt; parents, Albert Henry DeWitt and Nellie Kenworthy DeWitt. Pallbearers will be Jerry DeWitt, Per Gene DeWitt, Raymond Wise, Zachary Wise, Chuck Mitchell and David Didier. He was a poet who created more than 2,700 poems and 11 chapbooks; president of the Jacksonville, Florida, Poetry Society and president of LSPS; received Laureate Man of Letters UPLI 1985; Medaille Argent Academy (FR) of Arts, Sciences, Lettres (1986); International Eminent Poet, India 1987. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Stanocola Home Health and Hospice Associates. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Louisiana State Poetry Society or Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.