Hewitt Henry Wiley

Hewitt Henry Wiley of Punta Gorda, Florida, known to most as “Dusty”, passed away
peacefully on the morning of December 6 at the age of 98.
Born on October 25, 1927, to Alice and Otis Wiley, Dusty exemplified a life of dedication
to others. He served with the U.S. Army in Tokyo during World War II, returning to finish
college and work a variety of jobs before finding his professional home in Scouting. He
spent time as a scoutmaster with Troop 8 in Springfield, Missouri, which led to a long
career as a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America. He also served as
Director of Camp Arrowhead in Marshfield, Missouri, and many will remember the
support he gave to Scouts or the sound of his Ford F150 crunching down the gravel
road. After retirement, he and his wife, Nancy, dedicated more than a decade to the
loving care of several dozen foster children with special needs before moving on to
drive disaster response vehicles for the Red Cross.
Throughout his endeavors, Dusty was known as someone who recognized that great
deeds require hard work. He was unafraid of getting his hands dirty or standing in a
ditch with a shovel alongside friends. He was also a talker, and while he had his tougher
moments, most folks came to know him as friendly and caring. No man walks this earth
without his share of missteps, but if credit can be given for lifting the burden of others
and holding an abiding faith in the people around you, our world is slightly diminished
with his passing.
Dusty is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Lee Wiley. He is survived by
his children Denise Treccariche, Dirk Wiley, and Kristofor Wiley; grandchildren Anthony
Cleeton, Trevor Wiley, Emma Kelly, Eleanor Wiley, and Cora Wiley; and great-
granddaughter Lorrie. Between his time in Scouting and his work in foster care, we
know the impact of his legacy is considerably greater.
Services will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery on 5 January 2026 at 1pm,
after which Dusty will be interred beside Nancy on the grounds. In lieu of flowers or
other remembrances, the family asks that donations be made to the American Red
Cross or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hewitt Henry Wiley, please visit our floral store.