27, 2011. He grew up on a farm near Staples, TX and earned a
math degree from Southwestern University in 1943. After
graduation, he was sent to Midshipman's school, site of the Naval
Academy. Newton served on the U.S.S. Memphis, then the U.S.S
Okanogan during the Pacific campaign of WW II. He participated
in two landings at Okinawa and in the landing of troops in Japan.
He remained in the Naval Reserve after the war for 20 years and
retired as a Lt. Commander.
Newton earned undergraduate and master degrees in engineering
after the war from Southern Methodist University. He also met
and married Mary Thomas Gregg in 1951 after she was transferred
to Dallas from New England. He was a structural engineer with the
Civil Corp. of Engineers designing hydroelectric powerhouses in
Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Later he joined NASA, where he
designed or supervised architectural engineers in the design of
structures such as launch pads, towers and launch structures.
After retiring from NASA, he became an Assistant Professor of
Engineering Technology at UCF. More recently, he took up writing,
publishing his first novel in 2010.
Newton was an active member of the Indian River City United
Methodist Church over the last 45 years. He also volunteered at
the Enchanted Forest nature reserve. He is survived by Mary, his
wife of 60 years, their two sons Paul and Gary, and his sister Mary
Lou Kelly. He has 4 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Newton was loved dearly by his family and friends. He was a kind
and gentle man who will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held 1:00PM Wednesday August 31, 2011 at Indian River City United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be offered at www.brevardmemorialfuneralhome.com
Arrangements under the direction of Brevard Memorial Funeral Home, Cocoa, FL.
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