Franklin Dee Witt, 73, died April 25, 2009, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born Aug. 24, 1935, in Carville, Colo., to Gotthiff and Anna Bertha Frohich Witt.

He graduated from Ordway High School, Ordway, Colo. A resident of Hutchinson since the early 1970s, previously living in Texas, he joined Welborn Auto Parts in 1974, and retired in 1996.

He was an avid gardener and NASCAR fan. He was a strong supporter of many organizations, and contributed donations on a regular basis to the D.A.V., Alzheimer's Association, and several Native American Councils. He served in the U.S. Air Force, for 10 years, between June 1955, and February 1965, as an engineer on a DC6 (C-54) Aircraft.

On May 15, 1981, he married Janice E. "Jan" Stoughton, in Hutchinson. She died Aug. 11, 2006. Survivors include: a son, Kevin Tinin and wife Michelle, Hutchinson; daughters, Angie Burdette and husband Robert Fulton, Frankie Burdette and husband Dan, and Cindy Boyd, all of Hutchinson; a granddaughter/daughter, Dallis Boyd-Witt, of the home; a grandson/son, James Wright and wife Meredith, Hutchinson; a brother, Ben, Hutchinson; five grandchildren including, Kassidy Stubbs, Kristopher Rupp, and Autym Scott; and three great-grandchildren, Christopher, Kaleb, and Kolton.

He was preceded in death by eight siblings, Bertha Conyers, John Witt, Neita Hofer, Albert Witt, Wesley Harmes, Frieda Ahrens, Oscar Witt, and LaVida Ahrens.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday April 29, 2009, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary, with the family present to receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Cremation will follow the chapel service. Memorials may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, or Hospice House, both in care of the mortuary. Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.