Dewitt was born in Robert Lee, Texas to Mabel and Garvis “Slim” Swanson. In 1939 the family moved to southern New Mexico, where he attended school in Tularosa. During his junior year, the family relocated to Brockway, Oregon and Dewitt attended Roseburg High School, where he met his future wife, Joyce Harpham. Dewitt moved back with his family to Tularosa after one year, and graduated high school there in 1952.
Joyce reunited with Dewitt in 1953, and they were married in Tularosa, NM. Dewitt attended New Mexico State University and graduated in 1957. After graduation, Dewitt subsequently spent the next five years in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Dewitt and Joyce moved to a ranch near Stephenville, Texas. Dewitt and his father were partners in the cattle business for a little over two years.
Dewitt joined State Farm Insurance in Dallas, TX in 1964 and then moved to the corporate offices in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois, enjoying a 25-year career with State Farm. Dewitt held several positions involving executive management, quality control, accounting methods, and investment analysis.
After retirement from State Farm in 1989, Joyce and Dewitt moved to northern Minnesota where they enjoyed the North Woods, Lake Superior, and the community of Grand Marais for 13 years. Both were active in their church and community. Dewitt was particularly involved with the Lions Club in Grand Marais, participating each year in the annual fish fry. During their very active retirement, Dewitt
and Joyce enjoyed many trips all over the country, connecting with widely scattered family and friends.
In 2002, Joyce and Dewitt relocated to Roseburg, Oregon, where they originally met. They have enjoyed reacquainting themselves with family and friends in the northwest United States, and have particularly enjoyed home and garden improvement projects in the very temperate climate.
The family suggests that donations could be made to either or both of the following non-profit organizations. In both cases, please indicate the donation is made on behalf of Dewitt T. Swanson at 1300 SE Magnolia Dr, Roseburg, OR 97470. Amedisys Hospice, 2510 NW Edenbower Blvd. Suite 112, Roseburg, OR 97471 or Lions Club International, www.lionsclub.org or (630) 468- 6954.
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