Walter F. Witt, age 91, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at his home in Madison, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Augusta and August Witt. He was born on June 27, 1917 in Thompson, Ohio.

Mr. Witt was a World War II veteran and served with the United States Army Engineers. Prior to overseas assignments, he was selected to serve as cadre leader in three states. After the enemy had destroyed the capital, Manila, of the Philippine Islands, he was appointed to assist in the layout for a new capital, Quezon City.

Upon returning from his Army duties, Mr. Witt became a prominent business man and general contractor in northeastern Ohio. He founded Witt Realty and built the Witt Professional Building at 2757 Hubbard Road in Madison. After a successful business career, he retired in 1978.

He served as trustee on the Lake County Hospital Board and was involved in the planning and construction of Lake Hospital West. Mr. Witt?s community service was evident in his participation in the construction of the East End YMCA and formation of Madison Old Fashion Days. He was a member of Kiwanis, American Legion Post 112, The Ohio Post, VFW and Madison Boosters.

Mr. Witt enjoyed woodworking and designing furniture, toys and momentos for his grandchildren and friends. He had a passion for golf and was an avid bird watcher. He was personally responsible for building and installing a 36 nesting bluebird trail on Old Hickory Golf Course in Ft. Meyers, Florida. He loved to garden and had respect for those who loved the soil and land.

Walter and his wife, Bette, traveled to many of the fifty states and international travel to Europe; however, he always favored the glory of the United States of America.

Mr. Witt is survived by his dearly beloved wife, Bette J., and they recently celebrated their 29th anniversary. He is also survived by two stepchildren, Lori (Al) Wargo and Peter Lentz; five grandchildren, Jason Bennett, Amanda (Todd) Martin, Tyler Lentz, Toby Lentz, and C. J. Babcock; 2 great grandchildren, Alexandria Bennett and Julia Martin; 2 sisters, Alma (Ernest) Slabolsky of California and Anne (John) Glenn of Florida; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, 3 sisters and his first wife, Freida.

Rev. Kellie C. Sullivan, the Spiritual Care Coordinator of Hospice of the Western Reserve, will conduct the Celebration of Life for Mr. Witt at The Behm Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26 River Street, Madison on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 11:00 am. Friends will be received 10-11:00 am prior to the service.

Final resting place will be at Fairview Cemetery in Madison.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 East 185th Street, Cleveland, OH 44119.