Joshua Lemuel Witt, 40, of Fairview Heights, IL, born Sunday, October 21, 1979 in Belleville, IL, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2020 in Caseyville, IL.
Joshua spend the majority of his career in the food service industry and he loved music and attending concerts. He was an avid Widespread Panic, Grateful Dead and Beatles fan.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Father: Jerry Lemuel Witt
- Step-father: Scott Richard Smith
Surviving are his:
- Daughter: Lilly Witt of Fairview Heights, IL
- Mother: Melissa Witt-Smith of Fairview Heights, IL
- Brother: Jeremy (Betsy) Witt of Millstadt, IL
- Sister: Lauren Smith of O’Fallon, IL
- Nieces, Reagan and Morgan Witt
- Sister: Kendra Witt (John Brooks)
- Nephew: Drake (Katalee) Hernandez
- Niece: Vanessa Hernandez
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the to the Family c/o of Melissa Witt-Smith or St. Vincent dePaul.
Visitation: Visitation from 2:00 – 3:30 pm Monday, September 7, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral: Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 pm, Monday, September 7, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL, with Pastor James Kerr officiating. Private Family Interment at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
19 Comments To "Joshua Lemuel Witt"
#1 Comment By Allen /Carol Rickert On September 3, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
May he Rest In Peace, please accept our heartfelt sympathy!
#2 Comment By Patrice Payeur On September 3, 2020 @ 5:02 pm
Joshua was my nephew, funny though we were only 10yrs apart. We spent every holiday, birthdays, and family events together as we all grew up. Unfortunately I left ‘home’ in 2001 out of state and as adults often do, we all went our own ways in life.
He was my Mothers very 1st grandson, and she truly loved him like no other. I can still remember a photo taken one Easter at our home, he was maybe 3yo?, and the cutest, chunkiest little blonde haired little boy dressed in an all white tux. Pure innocence with his whole life ahead of him. THAT’S the ‘Joshie’ I’m going to remember, so happy and free! I’m very saddened hearing of his passing, my hearts just broken. May you finally get the rest and peace with our Lord now, that you so deserved here. I’m sorry I didn’t keep in touch better Josh, I truly am. Please know you are loved by so many and will be missed. My heart breaks for his Mother, my sister who’s suffered too much grief in life, one should never endure so much loss along with the entire Witt-Smith families. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers, I love you all and truly am very sorry for your loss.
Much Love and Light to you all~
Aunt Patrice and Family.
#3 Comment By Valorie Toberman On September 3, 2020 @ 5:10 pm
I remember how happy Josh was when Lilly was born and how proudly he showed his affection for her! You are all in my prayers and thoughts and Josh is surrounded with love.
#4 Comment By Joyce Conlon and Mark Hoover On September 3, 2020 @ 6:02 pm
We know Courtney and Lilly and remember meeting Josh years ago. Sending love and prayers of comfort and support to Lilly, Courtney and all of Josh’s family as you face the days ahead. Is there a fund set up for Lilly so we can contribute?
#5 Comment By Patti Davis On September 3, 2020 @ 6:50 pm
The last I spoke with Josh was at Mc Alister’s Deli where Josh worked for awhile. We had gone there to eat after church and Josh waited on us and greeted us with a friendly smile and kind words. I had forgotten my church bulletin to get my church discount but Josh just winked and replied “I know you were there”, he then applied my discount. I prayed for Josh to find peace in this world but I know he lives in peace now.
#6 Comment By Barbara Witt On September 3, 2020 @ 6:50 pm
Was looking through one of jerry’s albums today and saw Joshua’s baby pictures today. Brought back many memories. Remember pulling him around in his wagon. He knew when my payday was before me. He knew a treat was coming. Rest in peace my nephew. love you always.
#7 Comment By Carla Witt On September 3, 2020 @ 6:56 pm
Rest in Peace Nephew:
Life is not always an easy road to travel and sometimes we all follow a different path.
The memories of you growing up will always be with me and I will cherish them forever
Rest in peace..
Love Aunt Carla
#8 Comment By Bambi On September 3, 2020 @ 8:46 pm
RIP brother
#9 Comment By Theo On September 3, 2020 @ 10:55 pm
Josh was the older brother I never had. He had dated my sister Elizabeth for 4 years and that’s how I got to know him. He showed me so much love, even after my sister and Josh separated we stayed brothers. I always called him my brother in law. Sending prayers and love to all of his family and friends. I know my life won’t be the same without him. R.I.P. Witt I love you
#10 Comment By Melinda Meek (Mindy Bilbruck) On September 3, 2020 @ 11:35 pm
I had the joy of being a classmate with Josh from elementary through high school. Josh was always so kind to me and was such a ham that brought a smile to my face. My prayers that your fond memories of Josh and union with your family through this difficult time bring you comfort. Thank you for all the joy you brought throughout my childhood, Josh. Peace be with Josh and his family.
#11 Comment By Catheryn Dean Chairez On September 4, 2020 @ 6:50 am
Josh was my classmate and he always made me laugh. My condolences to his family.
#12 Comment By Dave Harb On September 5, 2020 @ 3:40 pm
RIP brother
#13 Comment By Robin On September 4, 2020 @ 10:57 am
Rest In Peace Josh. The Lord will watch over your family prayers to all. robin Ross
#14 Comment By Melissa Labruyere On September 5, 2020 @ 12:38 pm
Josh was always one of my favorites. We shared many laughs. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace my friend.
#15 Comment By Mandy Miller On September 5, 2020 @ 12:54 pm
May you Rest In Peace ?
#16 Comment By Chris Wright On September 6, 2020 @ 11:19 am
I’ve known Witt since grade school and we became close friends through junior high, into high school, and well beyond. I can’t express the sadness that I feel for his family and friends at this time. We all lost an amazing person. He had a wonderful heart was was always a joy to be around, always seeing the best in people. Although we drifted a bit, as adults do, we never stopped being close. Rest In Peace brother.
#17 Comment By Tim Zolman On September 6, 2020 @ 7:26 pm
Rip my friend
#18 Comment By Billy Weissert On September 10, 2020 @ 11:07 am
Just saw this. So sorry for your loss. Lived across the street from the Witts through much of my childhood. I remember Josh as a sarcastic music lover. He introduced me to the world of Grunge music! Jeremy and I were good friends and hung in the neighborhood. Way too young! RIP Josh.
#19 Comment By Buggz On September 30, 2020 @ 3:16 am
He was a friend a joker a lover of music a passionate person of the earth a great listener a fast talker he loved the Art’s and looked forward towards the fall months he had the strangest sleep schedule and often would text earlier than most I will miss those good morning reminder that someone cares …. He had a big heart when you had a problem and needed someone to listen… A dazzling intellect that sometimes was hard to keep track of (he liked to bounce from subject to subject) He was a poet and appreciated other’s words … Like a candle in the wind a run away train a morning few… I will think of you often my friend until my days are through