David Collis Hewitt

David Collis Hewitt of Groesbeck passed away at Groesbeck LTC, on August 13, 2018, at age 67, following a long health battle.  Visitation will be held at Groesbeck Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. Life Celebration graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at Prairie Grove Cemetery on FM 1953 in Limestone County. David was a loving son, husband, brother-in-law, father, “grandpaw”, cousin and uncle.  Pallbearers will be nieces and nephews:  Sharon Elizabeth Croft, David Wallace Croft, Steven Morris Croft, Ethan Rawls Williams, Bethany Jane Williams Humphrey and Walter William Hewitt II   Honorary pallbearers will be Walter William Hewitt, Randy Leroy Hewitt, Herbert Daniel (Danny) Hewitt, and Groesbeck Masonic Lodge #354. David was born May 30, 1951 to William Benjamin (Buster) Hewitt and Ruth Margaret Ransom Hewitt at Cox’s Hospital in Groesbeck, Texas, Limestone County.  He attended Groesbeck schools and graduated from Groesbeck High School in 1969.  At First United Methodist Church, David had almost perfect attendance.  He was forever impressed by his Sunday School teacher, Judge Clarence Ferguson.  He taught David about worshipping God during spiritual trials and his hardships as a German prisoner of war.  When David was a teenager, he completed training through the Minneapolis School of Art Instruction.  For two years after high school graduation, he attended Navarro Junior College in Corsicana.   In May 1974, he received his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts-advertising design-from University of North Texas in Denton. David married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Louise Croft on June 29, 1974.  Rev. H.H. Barnett officiated.  Later, Brother Barnett christened and dedicated both of the Hewitt children, Sarah Margrette Hewitt (Ham) born June 20, 1977 and Lee Benjamin Hewitt born May 2, 1979. After David became a Mexia State School employee in September 1974, he attended more Navarro classes.   While working at the school, David, in his assignment to the Education Department, met photography, calligraphy, and many other art needs.  With his educable special needs students, he used personalized photo carrousel slides to teach basic subjects.   In later years, he worked at resident’s homes and Recreation.  In May 1985, after taking Sam Houston State University classes at night, he decided to become a certified teacher.   In the late 1980’s, he became a teacher of art and special education.  He was employed by Fairfield ISD as a Vocational Adjustment Counselor.   He then taught at Coolidge ISD for many years.   David was proud of his student’s achievements and would award inspirational medallions.   He retired from Coolidge ISD on May 30, 2003.  Except for his college student time and his student teaching at Madisonville, the majority of his life was in Limestone County.   David lived in Groesbeck, Mexia, and the LaSalle community.  While living in Mexia with his wife and children, he was a Sunday school teacher for individuals with developmental or mental health issues at the First United Methodist Church.   In Mexia, David was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout assistant leader.   These Scouts were dear, as David had had such a positive Scouting experience as a youngster in Groesbeck.  When Seth Smith managed the Mexia Theater, David projected movies.   The Hewitt family enjoyed many films, and much popcorn, candy and soda water. David loved his mother-in-law dearly, and when Mrs. Magrette Croft began having health issues in the late 1990’s, the Hewitts moved to LaSalle to the Croft farm.   Granny Croft found him very kind and indispensable for shopping and farm chores.  Retirement was refreshing.   David drew and painted.   He wrote and illustrated a book.   Animals were rescued, not only cats and dogs, but box turtles and a donkey.   In discarded items, his artistic eyes saw wonderful possibilities.   David enjoyed garage sales, junk shops, and antique stores.   He liked reading science fiction and viewing historical television documentaries.   Politically active, until his health faltered, he was an election judge for his voting precinct.   David supported Old Fort Parker through re-enactment and placing a tipi at the restoration during Christmas at the Fort.  A history buff, he had an extra role in the movie “No Turning Back.”  Among his other abilities, he was a certified firearm instructor. Above all, he was a Christian from his youth.  He shared that his greatest joy was the birth of his only grandchild and his greatest sorrow was his son’s death in 2006. David is survived by his wife of 44 years, Elizabeth Hewitt; his daughter Sarah Ham and her husband Erik Erwin Ham, and their son, Collis Calrissian Ham.    Other survivors are his brothers, Walter Hewitt and Randy Hewitt; two nieces; four nephews; and many cousins and in-laws. In November 2015, he began residence at Groesbeck Nursing LTC.   He also received hospice care from Texas Home Health Care and Providence Hospice.   His family cannot find words to express appreciation to these individuals. In lieu of floral remembrances, please send memorial donations to:  Groesbeck Masonic Lodge #354 or Groesbeck Order of the Eastern Star #810.