Kenneth W. DeWitt, 76 of Oregon, Ohio passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 9, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Ken was born on July 11, 1946 in Toledo, Ohio to Ralph E. and Elanor (Bourdo) DeWitt. In 1965 he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Cathy (Billings). They were married for 57 years and had two children, KJ (Angie) and Tracy (Brian) Szymczak. He was blessed with grandchildren, Zack (Margie), Bo, Maisy, Ty.

Ken had worked for Ohio Bell for 40 years, finishing his career in repair, but his greatest love was serving in the Oregon Fire Department for 52 years. In 1986 Ken became Fire Chief of Fire Station 43, retiring in 2018. Ken was a founding member of the Oregon Fire and Rescue Museum. After his retirement from Ohio Bell, Ken was employed at Oregon City Schools  from 2004-2010, and then joined Life Flight from 2018-2022. In 2018 he was appointed to the Civil Service Commission. Ken was also a 50-year member of First St. John Lutheran Church. Anyone who knew him, knew he was a avid Michigan fan and thoroughly enjoyed the last two football seasons. Ken also enjoyed spending many years at the lake in Indiana and winters in Marco Island.

In addition to his wife, Cathy and his children, grandchildren, he is survived by his sister, Sue Helle, many other family members and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Wayne Helle.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 17, from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm with Last Alarm service at 7:00 pm at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Rd., Oregon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at First St. John Lutheran Church, 2471 Seaman Road, Toledo, Ohio, at 10:30 a.m where family and friends can gather beginning at 9:30 am. Inurnment will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Ken's memory are asked to consider First St. John Lutheran Church.