Jeff DeWitt

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Donnell Jefferson "Jeff" DeWitt, 72, died Monday, July 25, 2016, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

He was born Oct. 18, 1943, in Sikeston to the late Wallace "Link" and Geneva Newton DeWitt.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Stallings DeWitt, of 55 years. Survivors also include two sons, Kevin (Tina) DeWitt and Gerald (Charlotte) DeWitt of Sikeston; six brothers, Lynell DeWitt, Lonnie (Shirley) DeWitt, Larry (Melanie) DeWitt, Gary (Debi) DeWitt and Phil (Teresa) DeWitt of Sikeston and Steve (Laurie) DeWitt of St. Augustine, Florida; and one sister, Janice Sue Clayton of Little Rock, Arkansas; five grandchildren Daneka (Cody) Robertson, Nicole (Phil) Vonder Haar, Derek DeWitt, Brandon (Cathleen) DeWitt and Brittany (Zach) Fayette; and one great-grandson, William Jefferson DeWitt.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Kylie DeWitt.

He was a self-employed landowner, farmer and auctioneer. He began his career in the auction business as a tractor trader in 1973. In April 1976, he founded Jeff DeWitt Auction Co., which has become one of the largest farm-equipment auction companies in the United States. He is known for his larger-than-life personality and his love of family, friends and golf. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Sikeston.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jennifer Moxley, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston.

Pallbearers will be Charles Chilcutt, Darrell Cunningham, Kenneth Bell, Max Herron, Jack Holifield, Larry Lott, Mark Matthews and Buddy Northcutt.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or Wesley United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 472, Sikeston, MO 63801.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.

Services will be conducted under the direction of Nunnelee Funeral Chapel of Sikeston.