Nathaniel Stephen DeWitt

Nathaniel Stephen “Nathan” DeWitt, 50, of Madison, Kansas, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Nathan was born May 20, 1975, in Zanesville, Ohio, and was lovingly welcomed into the arms of his parents, Larry and Sherry (Harrington) DeWitt.

Nathan spent his early childhood in Lima, Ohio, before moving with his family to Madison, Kansas, in 1977, where he was raised and built a life rooted in family, friendship, and community. He attended Madison Elementary and Madison Jr./Sr. High School, graduating with the Class of 1993. During high school, Nathan was especially proud to be a member of the Madison Quiz Bowl team that won the State Championship during his senior year.

Following graduation, Nathan worked at the Iowa Beef Processing (IBP) plant in Emporia before pursuing his passion for telecommunications. He attended Northwest Kansas Technical College, earning a degree in Communications Technology, while simultaneously attending Colby Community College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Communications Technology.

After completing his education, Nathan returned home to Madison with his family and began working alongside his parents and sister at Madison Telephone in 2000. In 2002, he became a partner in the family business and a third-generation owner of Madison Telephone. Over the years, Nathan served in many roles, including Combination Technician, General Manager, and member of the Board of Directors for the telephone company. One of his greatest joys was seeing the next generation join the family business, including his son, Cade, in 2021, and nephew, Stephen, in 2023.

Nathan served his community through the Madison Chamber of Commerce and was a past member of the Madison Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his parents, Larry and Sherry DeWitt of Madison, Kansas; his children, Kylie Elisabeth Phillips and her daughter, Gemma Louise Phillips, along with Kylie’s significant other, Zach Weien, and his children, Neill and Lilian, of Gardner, Kansas; Cade Matthew DeWitt and fiancée Avery Miller of Madison, Kansas; and Camdon Larry DeWitt of Yates Center, Kansas. He is also survived by his sister, Diantha Stutesman and husband Corey; their son, Stephen Stutesman, wife Tierra, and son Stetson; and their daughter, Amber Stutesman and fiancé Kendal Henson.

Nathan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence “L.D.” and Ella Harrington of Madison, Kansas, and Harold and Edna DeWitt of Winfield, Kansas. He was also preceded in death by a special family friend and neighbor, Donna Corinne Bidwell of Lima, Ohio, lovingly known to Nathan as “Grandma Corinne.”

Nathan was previously married to Lisa Johnson, mother of Kylie, and Chandi DeWitt, mother of Cade and Cam, and shared many years with longtime companion Stella Renfro.

In his free time, Nathan enjoyed researching and learning about history, reading, playing darts and competing in dart leagues, gathering for poker at men’s nights, and smoking meat for family and friends, all things that brought him great happiness.

Nathan’s love for his children remained constant throughout his life, even though struggles, hardships, and tears. He treasured every moment he was able to spend with Kylie, Cade, and Cam and was deeply proud of each of them. Becoming “Papa Nate” to Gemma brought him immense joy, and he took great pride in being a great-uncle to Stetson.

Nathan will be remembered by his family and friends not only for his love of the Madison Bulldogs, the K-State Wildcats, the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago Bears, but also for his sense of humor, his wealth of useless knowledge, his ability to recite unforgettable movie quotes, and the friendships he built throughout his life. More than anything, he will be remembered for the genuine love he had for those around him. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at VanArsdale Funeral Home in Madison. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sauder Center in Madison. Nathan will be laid to rest at the Blakey Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Madison Educational Assistance Fund (MEAF) to establish the Nathan DeWitt Scholarship, or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) Heart of America Chapter in memory of Nathan DeWitt and in honor of Camdon DeWitt. Memorials may be sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box 488, Madison, KS 66860. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.