WITT – Richard Earl, 98, died November 30, 2015 in Tulsa, OK where he had made his home since 1972. He was proud and fortunate to live independently until two weeks before his death.

Richard or "Dick," was known to all as a true gentleman and selfless almost to a fault. He was a child of the Depression and World War II veteran, a physician and surgeon, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was born Oct 24, 1917 in McAlester OK, to William U. Witt and Maud Edith Southard Witt. Richard's early years were spent moving around Oklahoma with his Methodist preacher father. A brilliant student, he sometimes skipped grades when he changed schools and graduated high school in Muskogee in 1934. As a preacher's kid, he was able to attend the Methodist Oklahoma City University in the heart of the Depression. At OCU, he met Frances Long, his future wife of 61 years, who preceded him in death in 2001.

While attending college and later medical school at the University of Oklahoma, he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard to earn $1 per drill and $15 for summer camp – the summer camp money he used to buy a suit. He looked so young in medical school that he grew a mustache, which he wore throughout his life. He graduated medical school and completed his internship in l942 and went on active duty with the US Army in July 1942. He had earned his pilot's license in 1941 and wanted to be in the air corps as a flight surgeon. Because of his National Guard training, however, the Army assigned him to the 91st Infantry Division. He spent nearly two years training and treating troops in the US before shipping out on a Liberty ship to Oran, Algeria in North Africa. He trained there in amphibious operations preparing for a second front landing in southern France. It was then decided since they had no actual combat experience they would be sent to Italy to relieve the 3rd and 45th Divisions which would make the landings in southern France. He entered combat in Italy just as Rome was being liberated. He took part in 3 campaigns: Rome-Arno, North Appenines and the Po Valley. He earned the Bronze Star for meritorious service in support of combat operations in the Mediterranean Theater. The war in Europe ended with his unit in the foothills of the Alps. They spent some time as the Army of Occupation, patrolling the area to keep Tito from trying to capture Triest and parts of Italy. He left Italy to return to the US for 45 days leave before going to the Pacific theater, but fortunately the war in Japan ended while he was at sea on the way to the US.

After the war, Richard started a residency in obstetrics at St Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. He later obtained a surgical residency at OU Medical and a preceptorship in Florida as the Veteran's Administration was in its infancy. He returned to Muskogee to work for the Veterans Administration Hospital. Richard served as chief of surgery and chief of staff at the VA Hospital until his retirement in 1972. He also served in medical flight units with the US Air Force Reserves, retiring as a full colonel. He later worked as a physician at Glass-Nelson Clinic in Tulsa for 10 years.

Richard and his wife Frances had five children, Nancy, Richard, William, Susan and Robert. He had six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233