Robert W. Hewitt

Robert William Hewitt, age 86, died Monday, June 13, 2016 at Hilltop Lodge in Beloit, Kansas after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

"Bob", as he was known and loved by all, was born at the home of his maternal grandparents on a farm in Bloomfield Township, Mitchell County, Kansas on May 17, 1930. He was the oldest, in a family of four children, born to William Neil and Neva Muriel Broadbent Hewitt.

Bob was a lifetime resident of the Beloit area. He attended grade school at Iowa country school and graduated from Beloit High School in 1948. In 1951 he joined the Kansas National Guard. He left the service in 1959 with a rank of Sergeant.

On April 8, 1956 Bob was united in marriage to Constance Jeanine Griffin, at the Methodist Church in Jewell, Kansas. They lived their entire married life in Beloit. Bob, with the help of a friend, Neil Finney, built a new house for the Hewitt's in 1962. Bob and Connie lived there throughout their marriage.

Bob enjoyed farming. At an early age, he helped with the family farming and was taught to always do his best. He followed this advice throughout his lifetime. Bob took great pride in caring for his land and raising cattle. Doing a hard day's work was something he never complained about. Not many men, his age, were able to work at his pace. He was conservative in business and life decisions and was always willing to help others in need.

Bob owned and raced Thoroughbred race horses for many years. He was always anxious for the racing season to start so he could "watch the ponies run". His hobby and interest in horseracing continued for 44 years. Nothing gave him more pleasure than spending a day at the races with friends.

Early in his married life, Bob drove a truck and sprayed cattle for the Mitchell County Farm Bureau. He was an associate director for Farmway CO-OP, Inc. and had membership with the Beloit Country Club, Beloit Elks Club, Concordia Moose Lodge, and the Beloit Eagles Club. He bowled for many years and enjoyed watching his nephews and great-nephews wrestle when they were in high school. He was an avid Beloit High School basketball fan and attended most of the home games.

Bob and Connie observed their 60th Wedding Anniversary in 2016. Although Bob and Connie had no children of their own, they enjoyed spending time with their 10 nieces and nephews. Their family was important to them. They attended school sports and activities and watched each child as they grew to maturity and started their own families.

In February, 2015, Bob was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was a disease he fought for the rest of his life.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his youngest brother Larry; two brothers-in-law, Robb Peasley and Roy Hughes, and a nephew, Ronald Hewitt.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his wife Connie of the home, his brother Donald Hewitt and wife Cylene, Beloit; his sister Geraldine Hughes, Denver, CO; sister-in-law Charlene Hewitt-Yager and husband Joe, Cave Creek, AZ. Nieces and nephews are Carol (Alan) Maish, Renee (Garett) Soden, Ryan Hewitt, Greg (Jeri) Hewitt), Kevin (Jennifer) Hewitt, Keri (Lance) Flowers, Mark (Marne) Hewitt, James (Mary) Peasley, and Jan (John) Hatfield. Several great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends survive.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday at the McDonald Funeral Home with burial in Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or the charity of the donor's choice. Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the McDonald Funeral Home.