William Dean Witten

William Dean Witten was born in Paintsville, KY, on March 10, 1938 to William Albert Witten and Alphoretta LeMaster Witten. He graduated from Florida Southern College of Lakeland, Florida in 1960 and earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1963 from the Methodist Theological School of Delaware, Ohio. He received an honorary doctorate from Florida Southern College in 2001. He was ordained a deacon and received into probationary membership in the Florida Annual Conference in 1961. He was ordained an elder and received in full connection in 1964.

He married Joan Elizabeth Duke on August 28, 1960. They were blessed with three children: Wendell Duke Witten, Lisa Darlene Witten, and Ben Albert Witten.

Reverend Witten served the following appointments in the Florida Conference: Lake Gibson Methodist Church, Lakeland; Alturas Methodist Church; Belleview UMC; Juno Beach UMC; United Methodist Temple, Lakeland; Sanlando UMC, Longwood; Trinity UMC, Palm Beach Gardens. During retirement he served as interim pastor of the following churches: St. John’s, Winter Haven; First UMC Sanford; Tuskawilla UMC, Casselberry.

Reverend Witten served as district superintendent of the Sarasota and Orlando Districts, 1992-2002.

He and Joan retired to Altamonte Springs, Florida, in 2002. During his retirement, Reverend Witten served as Pastor Emeritus of Sanlando United Methodist Church, Interim pastor.

Reverend Witten died January 16, 2026. He is survived by his children Wendell (Ellen) Witten, Lisa (John) Mindermann, Ben (Beth) Witten and nine grandchildren, William, Brittany, Jordan, Alexa, Jonathan, Danielle, Nicholas, Meghan and Madison; and four great-grandchildren; Olivia, Audrey, Henry and Jane.

His memorial service will be held at Sanlando United Methodist Church on Saturday January 31st at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Sanlando United Methodist Church in honor of William Dean Witten.