Don Allen Newton

Don, a dashing young Naval Lieutenant stationed on Guam, whose parents were married at the Governor’s palace on Guam, married Coleta in a Quonset hut Catholic chapel on Naval Air Station Agana Guam on October 12, 1958.

Don, though trained as a journalist at the University of Alabama, had a zeal for industrial development and business growth. He began his career after the Navy as head of the Lewisburg Mississippi Chamber of Commerce and then moved on to Delta Council in Stoneville Mississippi where he fostered growth and development beyond agriculture, including being integral in developing catfish farming in the Mississippi Delta.

Corporate headhunters pursued Don and he ultimately left the Delta in 1970 to head the newly formed Metropolitan Development Board in Birmingham where he began his long history of helping the Magic City grow. In 1974, he moved on to head the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce where he and a spirited and dedicated team were instrumental in bringing the Birmingham Metropolitan Area to where it is today.

Don did not totally abandon his journalistic background, he was also publisher of Birmingham Magazine and other publications and books.

Don and Coleta embraced retirement life, especially enjoying time with their grandsons. After Coleta’s death, Don enjoyed looking at real estate along the Gulf coast, ultimately finding the family’s “little piece of paradise” on Cook’s Bayou near Panama City.

Don embraced teamwork and while in healthcare people generally think of doctors and nurses, Don also recognized and appreciated that it takes a team, from the people taking the trash bags and mopping floors and more, to make patient care work. Midge and Don Jr would like to recognize and thank the team on the 7th floor of UAB’s Women’s and Infants building who provided such great care. And while we can’t name everyone, we feel we would be remiss if we didn’t recognize Doctors Micah Whitson, Michael Wu, and John Penick, who spent so much time and went above and beyond caring for Dad and went the extra mile in compassion and helping us. Post hospitalizations, Don was well cared for by Ascension Home Health and Compassus Hospice.

Don is survived by children Don Newton Jr. and Coleta Midge Newton Rast and grandsons Thomas Rast and Sam Newton, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Don supported many groups and charities, but especially supported Big Oak Ranch and Wounded Warriors. In remembrance and in lieu of flowers etc., please remember our veterans, kids, and others in need.

There will be a Memorial Service at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church 2 Xavier Circle Birmingham, Alabama 35213 Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 3:30 PM