Funeral services for David M. Hewitt will be held Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013 at 11:00 am at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron.

David M. Hewitt, 48, of Whitney, died February 10, 2013 at his home.

David was born on November 23, 1964 in Chadron, Nebraska to Vern and Evelyn Hewitt. David grew up in Chadron where he attended school from kindergarten to a sophomore in College.  While he was in college, he followed his dream of being a horseman and began his career at Fort Robinson State Park as a wrangler. He, at that time was following his love of music while playing drums for his big brother, Lawrence in the Powder River Band.  They traveled throughout Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota.  Many people came to listen to him play and sing.  Being the humble man he was he never thought that he could play or sing well.

In 1986, he stole the heart of a South Dakota girl, whose life he changed forever.  In 1989, David married Candee Lagge.  The couple was married in Hot Springs, South Dakota on September 16, 1989, and their first home was in Crawford were he moved the City girl to the country, and wow did he open her eyes to a whole new world.  He taught her all the things that were so very important to him.  From the ranch the couple moved to Morrill, Nebraska where he worked at Sand Hills Beef and Candee worked in Torrington.  At this time their beautiful daughter, Shylee was born to them on October 23, 1992.  Her dad was so in love with her.  She was his pride and joy and made him so proud.  He passed on his love of horses and music to her and tried to teach her how to be tough, and take care of herself so that she could survive in the world.

David was a wonderful husband, father and friend.  He never knew a stranger.  He could make you laugh with his big bold deep laugh .  He would help anyone.  He had more kids then he realized and didn’t care that they weren’t blood.  He wanted to teach them his world so that no one forgot about the cowboy and what he stood for.  He always believed in them and would do anything to help.  He had the biggest heart and never asked for anything in return.  This man had no idea the lives he touched and how deeply he will be missed.  To those of us who knew him best, remember the saying, “If you would just pull your head out you might learn something.”

Dave’s survivors include his wife Candee; daughter Shylee ; Mother Evelyn Hewitt of Chadron; brother Lawrence (Pam) Hewitt; sisters Diana (Steve) Arner, Dixie (Dan) Stricker, Merna (Rich) McKiben, Gloria (Floyd) Gregg; nephews, Chadd Arner, Matt (Janet) Hewitt; nieces Nikki (John) Daringer, Portia (Josh) Sheppard; great nieces, Peyton Sheppard, Reese and Avery Hewitt; great nephews Cash Daringer, and Quinten Sheppard, and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Vern Hewitt.

There is a memorial set up for the Benefit of Fort Robinson, the place that he always held near and dear to his heart.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Crawford is in charge of arrangements.