John Wright Witters

On July 5, 2022, John Wright Witters of Temple Hills, Maryland, passed away peacefully at the age of 81.

John was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to Wayne Audrey and Mary Idalene Witters, and grew up enjoying frequent visits to his grandparents’ farm in Dahlgren. After graduating from Mt. Vernon Township High School, John moved to Washington, D.C., where he met his bride, earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland, and began his life-long career with the federal government. 

John held multiple roles at the Library of Congress, the FDIC, and the Department of Justice, before being named the founding Director of the Office of Automated Systems for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. He retired in 1997, after 38 years of service.

John was a kind, contemplative, and dedicated man. He took seriously every undertaking upon which he embarked. His indulgences were few. He was an avid reader, usually history and occasionally religious texts, and he strove to understand people with perspectives different from his own. He had a passion for riding motorcycles, which he suppressed while his children were young. He had a deep appreciation for music, especially country and gospel with vocal harmonies, and sang bass with a rich, solid, gentle voice. He loved his family with no bounds.

John is preceded in death by his older brother Roger Witters. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lillian, his children Audrey Jane and Brian Oren, his grandchildren Bennett Brian Rothman, John Vincent Rothman, Tyrone Adam Rothman, Jessica Rothman and Alex Rothman, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews.

The family will hold a private service. Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Wounded Warriors.