Dewitt Van C. Siclen ’40 *51

Dewitt died Sept.25, 2001, in Houston, where he had been a resident for nearly 50 years.

He prepared at Flushing HS in New York, following his relative, Robert Ditman Van Siclen '27, to Princeton. He majored in geology, graduating with highest honors, while being elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. He earned his MS in 1941 (U. of Illinois), and returned to Princeton after the war to receive his PhD in geosciences in 1951.

Dewitt was a member of Tower Club, Whig-Clio, and varsity crew. In 1939 he was the national champion in single sculls.

During WWII he served in the Air Force with tours of duty in the Mediterranean and European Theaters. Recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict, he was discharged as a captain.

Early in his business career he was an oil exploration geologist in Texas for various companies. In 1959 he joined the U. of Houston as a professor of geology, receiving many awards in recognition of his contributions to the science and society.

Dewitt is survived by his wife, Beverly; his daughters, Mary Van Siclen Coelho and Sally Van Siclen; sons Henry and Clinton; six grandchildren; a brother, Wallace, and a sister, Emily Van Siclen Hengeveld. To them the class extends its sincere sympathies.

The Class of 1940