Julian DeWitt Acker passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at his home in Denton, Texas. He was born on April 2, 1948 in Dallas, Texas to Dr. Julian H. and Elizabeth DeWitt Acker. He grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas and graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1966. His appreciation of the outdoors started as a young man fishing with his dad at various lakes in the north Texas area. He continued his education at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he pledged Alpha Tau Omega, and ultimately graduated with his BS in biology from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. Later, he received his M.Ed. from Texas A&I University in Kingsville. He married Karen Lee Burdick on January 25, 1970, and they had a daughter and a son during their eight-year marriage. After working several years in the Wichita Falls and Austin areas, he settled in Denton and married Heather McDonald. They had two daughters. It was in Denton where DeWitt first became involved with the Montessori teaching method. He taught earth sciences in Montessori classrooms most of his life, cherishing the time he spent guiding young lives into adulthood by providing them with outstanding life skills, and an above average education. He also shared his love of nature and outdoor wonders with many of his students. His passion for teaching included training current and future Montessori teachers. DeWitt was an avid fisherman, camper, and photographer, who loved his books and his music, but most of all, his family.
DeWitt was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his children: Stephanie Reinke (Ron); Justin DeWitt Acker (Amy); Amy Acker and Ashley Acker; grandchildren: Emma Besier, Trista Acker and Aspyn Acker; and sisters: Adrian Acker Walker, Nancy Acker Fleshman, Karen Acker Dunlap, Diane Acker Jackson and Stacey Lee Acker.
A celebration of his life will be held in Denton on Saturday, August 16, 2014. For more information, please contact dewittackercelebration@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, 2808 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75204 (www.sccenter.org).