Delbert Eugene “Gene” Newton, 92
A private celebration of life service will be held for Delbert Eugene “Gene” Newton, 92, of Jefferson City. He died Sunday, May 22, 2022, at his home.
He was born on December 22, 1929, in Zanoni, the son of Herschel Delbert and Goldie Faye (Smith) Newton. He was married on Feb. 11, 1949, in Zanoni to Maggie Belle Smith, who survives.
After graduating high school, Gene enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1952. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for his service during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in January of 1954.
Gene was a hard worker and held positions in a variety of professions. Prior to moving to Jefferson City, he worked as a substitute mail carrier, a carpenter and as a maintenance employee at the airport in Springfield. Most recently, Gene worked as a federal employee with the Army Reserve Center as a maintenance mechanic.
Gene was a social man who enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, hunting or just front porch sitting with a Pepsi in hand.
He was very competitive and always a willing contestant in a game of golf, cards, washers or any other challenge. He loved sports and coached his son’s baseball teams as well as an adult softball team.
Gene was a family man. He and his wife, Maggie, often hosted or attended social gatherings and barbecues with their children. Later in life, he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren and continuing the family tradition of getting together for cook outs. He and Maggie also traveled across the country with friends, Donnie and Marilyn Farmer, an adventure he cherished.
Gene was a member of the Meadow Lake Country Club.
Survivors include: his wife of 73 years, Maggie; one daughter, Kathy Volkerding and husband Robert of Jefferson City; two siblings: Colene Irby of Ava and Sharlene Daugherty and husband Stan of Tecumseh; seven grandchildren: Leslie Chiles and husband David, Brian Bloomer and wife Susan, Megan Cortez, Aaron Newton and wife Lori, Courtney Yake, Kaleb Newton and wife Kendra, and Shannon Newton and wife Brianna; and 12 great grandchildren: Dakota Newton, Megan Newton Halley, Emily Newton, Livia Bloomer, Reece Chiles, Lucas Bloomer, Mia Yake, Alex Chiles, John Cortez, Sophia Cortez, Kolten Newton and Hardin Newton.
He was preceded in death by his parents Herschel and Goldie; his brother Doin Newton; and two sons: Stanley Newton and Scotty Newton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or the St. Louis Shriner’s Hospital for Children, https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/st-louis/about-us/ways-to....
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com.