EASTON, MD—It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas David “Dave” Witten announces his passing on February 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dave was 81, but he lived a life that felt much larger than numbers on a page. While he may have lost the fight against cancer, anyone who knew him can agree he was a champion in every other way.
Born in Washington, D.C., on December 6, 1943, Dave was the son of Shurl George Witten Sr. and Ruth Rollins Witten—both of whom passed before him, leaving a legacy of strength and hard work that Dave carried with him throughout his life. Sadly, Dave’s brothers, Shurl George Witten Jr. and Donald W. Witten Sr., as well as his sister-in-law, Belinda Witten and niece, Tara Jenkins, also predeceased him, but not without leaving their own indelible mark.
Dave is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 58 years, Brenda Pope Witten. While they didn’t have children of their own, they were fortunate enough to borrow many children from family and friends over the years, a gift that brought them immeasurable joy. Those kids—who know who they are—have been blessed over the years with numerous seasoned words of advice, solicited or not (but always appreciated), that will impact them the rest of their lives.
He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Gary Pope, Huntsville, Ala., and sister-in-law, Nancy Hutt, San Francisco, Calif., who would have been the first to tell you that Dave could always be counted on for a good story (and possibly a practical joke or two). His nephews, Donald W. Witten Jr., Evan Pope and Jiles Pope, and his nieces, Hahnna Pope and Julie Pope, are all part of his far-reaching family who will remember him with love, laughter and maybe a few colorful words. Dave’s great-nieces and nephews, Cierra Witten, Alex Witten, Parker Wonner, and Victor Wonner, were given plenty of stories to tell for years to come.
Dave was a proud graduate of Durham High School, Durham, N.C., in 1963, and Chowan University, Murfreesboro, N.C., from 1963-1965, where he was an exceptional football player and earned a spot in the Chowan University Hall of Fame. Let’s be honest: he probably liked playing football more than schoolwork. His love for sports stayed with him throughout his life and the Chowan University Athletics program will always have a special place in his heart (and in his charitable donations).
He went on to serve his country honorably as a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard, reaching the rank of E6.
Dave’s professional career spanned several decades, with notable positions including food service director at Easton Memorial Hospital for Marriott Corporation as well as district manager for Marriott Corporation Healthcare Division. He also became the president of Canteen Corporation, overseeing the mental hospital operations in Kuwait and managing over 300 facilities across the country. He was honored with the President’s Club award at Canteen for achieving over $1 million in new sales in a single year and was named in the Who’s Who Worldwide in 2003/2004 and for Corporate Leadership in 1994/95.
In 1985, he founded Food Management Group Inc. (FMG), a company that became a leader in providing food management services to over 300 hospitals, long-term care facilities, drug rehabilitation centers and religious organizations.
If there was a cafeteria or a catering service involved, you could bet Dave had a hand in it—and not just to make sure the food was good, but that everyone was well-fed in every way. Dave retired in 2019 after decades of dedicated service to his industry.
Outside of his professional life, Dave was deeply involved in his community. As a young man, he served as the president of Talbot Pop Warner Football, coached the Team Rams Pop Warner Football in Easton, Md., coaching countless kids—mostly so he could be that guy shouting motivational speeches at the sidelines (he did love a good pep talk). He was the president of the Kiwanis Club in Easton, a proud member of the Elks Club and was honored as a Kentucky Colonel for his service.
Dave’s love for his family, his work, and his community will be his legacy. His passing leaves a hole in many hearts, but his humor, generosity and guidance will live on in the countless people he touched.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Dave’s favorite causes: Chowan University Athletics (Football Program): athletics@chowan.edu or 252-398-1239; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: michaeljfox.org; Kawasaki Disease Foundation: kdfoundation.org; or Blind Veteran’s Association: bva.org.
A celebration of Dave’s life will take place on Saturday, March 1, at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 South Harrison Street, Easton, MD 21601. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. prior to the service and funeral at 11 a.m., where friends and family will undoubtedly share some unforgettable stories about Dave’s time on this Earth…some of which might even be true.
We will miss you, Dave, but we know you are still cracking jokes and eating good food…no doubt there is more laughter in heaven today.
For online condolences, please visit: www.fhnfuneralhome.com.
