Melvin Newton Obituary (1919 - 2013)

Coffeyville - Melvin A. Newton, 93, of Coffeyville, passed away Saturday March 9, 2013 at Windsor Place Nursing Home. He was born on September 13, 1919 to Kenneth and Melinda 'Annie' (Brooks) Newton at Kenwood, Oklahoma. He grew up in Kenwood and attended Kenwood schools. When he was in 5th grade he moved to Dearing. On July 1, 1941 he joined the U.S Army. During World War II he served overseas in the South Pacific as a Staff Sergeant. Melvin received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. On April 16, 1942 he married Maxine L. Thomas at Dearing. After marriage they made their home in Coffeyville area. Maxine preceded him in death on September 20, 2004. Melvin worked for WPA, Ludawici Roof and Tile, the Union Gas Company, Funk Mfg, and Burns Security. He was a member of the Free Will Baptist, the V.F.W and the Keystone Masonic Lodge Post #102. He enjoyed fishing, coon hunting and was a big St. Louis Cardinal fan, but what he enjoyed the most was spending time with family and friends. He is survived by one daughter, Stella Ferrell and her husband Kirby of Coffeyville; two sons, DeWayne Newton and his wife Shirley of Tyro and Tom Newton and his wife Peach of Dearing; six grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, one grandson, one great-granddaughter and thirteen brothers and sisters. Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday March 12, 2013 at the Westside Christian Church with Pastor Gary Stevens, Sr., officiating. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Military Honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army Honor Guard, Fort Riley, KS. Friends may call on Monday March 11, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Family suggests memorials to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or the Windsor Place Nursing Home; contributions may be left at the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.