OLD TOWN – Kenneth DeWitt, longtime aviator and former manager of the city’s airport, which now bears his name, died in Florida on Saturday at the age of 99.

DeWitt, for whom DeWitt Field was named, managed the city’s airport for decades and was president of Central Maine Flying Services Inc. located at the airfield. Former employee Tim Hodgkins said he owes his aviation career to his hardworking mentor, who was known around the airfield as “Father DeWitt.”

“His biggest habit was he never stood still long,” Hodgkins said. “He always had something going on, whether it was selling an airplane or pumping gas. Ken was definitely a high-energy sort, he wouldn’t let the grass grow under his feet long.”

DeWitt was born and raised in Bradford and graduated from the town’s high school in 1929. He worked as an automobile mechanic in Bangor until he began his own business, Ken’s Motor Service in Old Town. During World War II, DeWitt was commissioned as a flight pilot and trained hundreds of pilots. In 1945 he began Central Maine Flying Services.

In addition to being Old Town’s airport manager, DeWitt also served as a Piper Aircraft distributor for 25 years. The municipal airport was renamed DeWitt Field in July 1970.

“He was absolutely thrilled that he was given that recognition because he loved that airport,” said Debbie Hambright, DeWitt’s daughter. “Flying was his real passion. He loved to fly.”

Hambright said she spent many hours with her father as he plowed snow from the airport runway. Her father met famous aviators and social leaders, such as Amelia Earhart and Billy Graham, through flying. She fondly recalled flying with her father to Piper factories in Florida and Pennsylvania, and day-trip charter flights to Canada.

“I was probably the only kid in Old Town that got to go to Florida twice in a year, and during the wintertime,” Hambright said.

DeWitt retired to Clearwater, Fla., in 1973, where he died Saturday.

DeWitt was predeceased by his wife, Dot, in 2000 and a son. He is survived by six children, 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. The family will hold a private memorial service in Old Town sometime in the coming weeks.

trobbins@bangordailynews.net

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