Obituaries

Robert W. "Bobby" Newell

Photo of Robert W. "Bobby"  Newell
Mr. Robert W. Newell, of Newport, died on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the age of 84. He was born Sept. 6, 1930 in Little Rock, the only child of Paul D. Newell and Mildred (Wilmans) Newell. Mr. Newell was a 1948 graduate of Newport High School. Following high school, he pursued his education at the University of Arkansas and his interest in professional baseball simultaneously. He played in the minor leagues in the Detroit Tigers organization and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and served twice as Consul. Mr. Newell remained active as an alumnus of the Sigma Chi brotherhood throughout his life. Mr. Newell married Bettye Claire Burt of Batesville in Aug. of 1952. Together they raised three children and were blessed with 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After completing his education at the University of Arkansas, Mr. Newell returned home to Newport and began working with his grandfather and uncles at R.D. Wilmans and Sons in Diaz. He worked there until 1963 when he and Mr. Albert H. Miller established Miller-Newell Engineers of Newport & Jonesboro. He worked as a Professional Engineer (certified 1964) for the next 34 years until his retirement in 1997. Mr. Newell was actively involved in his community as a businessman and civic leader. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Newport. He was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He was a member of the Newport Country Club, serving twice as President. He served on the Board of the Jackson County Learning Center; the Newport Special School District Board of Education; the Jackson County Republican Committee; the Republican Presidential Task Force; Diaz City Council; Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation Committee; and was appointed to the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission by Governor Mike Huckabee in 1999. He was also a member of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Mr. Newell was in the United States Army Reserves, and he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1990. Mr. Newell was a devoted and lifelong member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newport. He served in the church choir, was a lay reader and served on the Vestry as Senior Warden. Mr. Newell loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and he was an avid fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals. He will be fondly remembered by his community as a man of service who gave more than he took. Family was always at the center of Mr. Newell's life; his greatest love and highest priority. He loved time spent with his family and especially enjoyed the many travels he made with his wife, Bettye. This fine man will be forever remembered for his servant heart, his quick wit, and his genuine devotion to those he loved. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul D. Newell; his mother, Mildred (Wilmans) Page; and his stepfather, Perryman Page. Mr. Newell is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bettye (Burt) Newell of the home; two sons: C. Burt Newell and wife, Linda, of Hot Springs and Robert W. Newell, Jr. of Little Rock; one daughter, Beth Drake and husband, Michael, of Little Rock; eight grandchildren: Claire Bittle and husband, Bo, of Fayetteville; Daniel Bearden of Fayetteville; Millie Wheeler and husband, Daniel, of Conway; Drew Newell of Menlo Park, Calif.; Georgia Newell of Minneapolis, Minn.; Elizabeth Newell of Nashville, Tenn.; Cassie Exum and Dallas Exum of Hot Springs; five great-grandchildren: Will Bittle, Robert Newell Bittle, and John Frank Bittle of Fayetteville; Lauren Wheeler and Alexis Wheeler of Conway; and host of family and friends. Friends may visit at Jackson's Funeral Home, Monday, March 30, 2015, 5-7 p.m. A service celebrating the life of Mr. Newell will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Dr. Dan McKee officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the Parish House of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 301 Hazel Street, Newport, AR 72112 or the charity of your choice. To light a memorial candle, leave a condolence, or view the guestbook, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com.

Published March 30, 2015

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