A Butler County man is dead after firefighters found his body on land he was burning.

The Butler County Attorney says 88-year-old Robert Witzel was burning brush in a ditch, four miles east of Dwight, when the flames got out of hand.

Now, residents are reacting to Witzel's death.

What once was a home, continued to smolder Wednesday afternoon, one day after Dwight volunteer firemen responding to a grass fire, found the body of 88-year-old Robert Witzel dead.

Authorities say Witzel was burning the ditch, and the fire got out of control, began burning part of the lawn, and also a small house on the property.

Butler County Attorney, Julie Reiter said the land, four miles east of Dwight, along Highway 66, was owned by Witzel.

Neighbors say Witzel was a retired farmer, who loved taking care of his cattle, and participated in town events like bingo.

Residents like Ray Kouma say they were surprised to hear news of the deadly fire.

"I was shocked. He must have been burning something here, and must have been putting out the fire, and they found him dead here, and everything was burned up then. Sad story to lose a neighbor that way," said Kouma.

Kouma said he knew Witzel most of his life, and remembers him as being conservative and smart with his spending.

"He knew how to save his money, make a dollar stretch, and he showed people that way to live. More people need that kind nowadays," said Kouma.

Residents say Witzel was always very friendly, and are sad to lose a great member of their community; one they will always remember when they pass by the scene of the fire.

"The world would be better off if all of us would be as conservative and helpful like he was," said Kouma.

Firemen were called to the scene of the fire around 2:30 Tuesday afternoon.

Many residents couldn't believe one of their long-time residents lost his life in such a tragedy.

Funeral services are set for Saturday at 10:00.