Witt’s End

   John Herman Witt, 84, of Gulfport Mississippi, passed away on January 4th, 2024.  John was born on March 7th, 1939, to Jon Witt and Arlene (Gordon) Witt in Elkhart, IN.

  John graduated from Concord High School in 1957. He went on to serve his country for 20 years in the US Navy, retired as Chief Hospital Corpsman in 1977.

  During his service John was educated in various fields of discipline including Submarine Medicine School, Nuclear Radiation & Health Safety School.  He obtained an Associate’s Degree of Arts at Pensacola Community College and a Bachelor's of Science from Southern Illinois University.

  John was a stalwart patriot, who served on many vessels including nuclear submarines and the Destroyer-class U.S.S. Bainbridge.  During his service John traveled extensively, visiting 2 dozen foreign ports including 2 ‘at sea’ tours to Vietnam. His travels took him to Buckingham, England where he witnessed the Changing of the Guard and Barcelona to watch the Bullfights. He walked the streets of Soho, Rota, and Seville. He visited Portugal, France, and Spain. He felt Mt. Etna ‘burp’ and rattle his windows while in Naples. He even played cards on a pier with a Greek fisherman. John spent time in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Iran, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and several countries in Central America.

  After retiring from the US Navy in 1977, John returned to his hometown of Elkhart, IN. with his wife and children where he worked for several more years until finally retiring in 2005.  John enjoyed helping others in need and volunteered his time making deliveries for Meals On Wheels and providing transportation for seniors less able than he.

  He kept busy with several hobbies including graphic design, styling inappropriate but humorous phrases on t-shirts and beer cozies, staging rebellions during covid at his living facility, and woodworking.

  He is survived by his sister Helen Croninger, two daughters, Angela (Witt) Bohinc and Dani (Witt) Cocanower, three stepdaughters, Rhonda (Williams) Perkey, Raeanna (Williams) Lane, and Robin (Williams) Borsa, (22) Grandchildren and (36) Great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife and soulmate of 28 years, Judith Ann Witt; his son, Todd Witt; and brother, Larry Witt.

Visitation will be held at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman In Elkhart on Thursday, February 1st at 4pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 6pm.