Fred Witt Jr.
Fred Witt, Jr., age 93, of Evesham Township, NJ, stepped into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 18, 2023. He was born on October 13, 1929 to Fred and Christina (nee Beckert) Witt. Fred grew up in Wildwood, NJ and Philadelphia, PA but recently lived in Cherry Hill Township and Evesham Township, NJ.
On June 9, 1956, Fred married Barbara Oehlers, who was blessed to be his loving wife for nearly 47 years, until her death in 2003. On March 24, 2007, Fred married Ruth Arnott, with whom he shared a loving marriage for over 16 years. In addition to his wife, Ruth, Fred is survived by his sister, Grace Becker (Albert) and was predeceased by his brothers, Walter Witt (Shirley – divorced) and Robert Witt (Carol).
Fred is also survived by his four children, David Witt (Karen), Debbie Witt, Karen Dinkler (widowed by Douglas), and Patti Moore (Doug). Through his marriage to Ruth, he became a father to her children, Ann Lewis (James), Graeme Anderson (Katina), Steve Arnott, and Gary Arnott (Peggy). He was a wonderful and loving grandfather to 12 grandchildren, 8 nieces/nephews, and 13 great nieces/nephews. He was a tremendous influence on the extended family, where he would often send jokes or math puzzles to challenge the minds of his loved ones. As a brilliant mind and legendary engineer, Fred personally influenced his two brothers, children, three nephews, and a great niece to enter the engineering/mathematics fields.
Dad was an incredible cello player, whose father brought home a cello one day and told Dad he would be learning how to play it. Dad rode his bike to school, juggling that cello, but became a very accomplished cellist. As a teen, he played in the orchestra for Dr. Percy Crawford “Youth for Christ†rallies including a nationwide television show called “Youth on the Marchâ€. Dad also played his cello in a string quartet called “The Gospel Stringsâ€. He was proud when the birth of his first child, David, was announced over the radio.
Because of Dad and Mom’s musical talent, they guided each of their children to learn a musical instrument, and “The Witt Family†very often provided special music or played in the orchestra for various churches. Dad was so proud of the musical accomplishments of his children, and his children were certainly proud of the beautiful tone and musicality of Dad’s playing, which transcended notes on a page. It was a privilege to make music with Dad.
Dad was also dedicated to sharing his talents with Liberty Corner Mission, a nunnery started by German immigrants who came to America to evangelize other German immigrants. He quickly volunteered to bring his children and their instruments, to participate in the services.
Dad loved Jesus Christ, and he dedicated his life to serving God in the church, as a Deacon, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Boys Brigade leader, and even helping to build the initial church building for Faith Baptist Church (Cherry Hill, NJ). Churches in which Dad served, over the decades, include Embury United Methodist Church (Collingswood, NJ), Faith Baptist Church (Cherry Hill, NJ), Bethel Baptist Church (Cherry Hill, NJ), and Easton Bible Church (Hainesport, NJ).
Dad always had a sparkle in his eyes and a ready smile for everyone around him. He had the most kind and generous heart and was driven to serve God in any way he could, always looking for ways to help others in need. He was extraordinarily generous, sponsoring World Vision children and regularly donating to missionaries and other non-profit organizations. His generosity reached many friends and family who he personally helped over the years.
A graduate of Northeast High School (Philadelphia), Dad went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in 1954 from The University of Pennsylvania. After college, he started working for The Franklin Institute in 1954, and he earned several Master’s Degrees from Temple University and Drexel University. He became a civilian employee of the US Army in 1966, working first for Frankford Arsenal (Philadelphia, PA) and then Picatinny Arsenal (Dover, NJ), from which he retired in 1994.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 AM in the sanctuary of Wiley Church, 99 East Main Street, Marlton, NJ 08053, where a Celebration of Dad’s life will be held at 11:00 AM. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to New Covenant Ministries, 3-B West Holly Ave, Oaklyn, NJ 08107 or Cedar Lane Missionary Homes, 103 Cedar Lane, Laurel Springs, NJ 08021. Funeral arrangements under the direction of DuBois Funeral Home, 700 South White Horse Pike, Audubon, NJ 08106. Condolences and memories may be shared at DuboisFuneralHome.