Harold Eugene "Gene" Newby woke up in Heaven just after midnight July 20, 2011 He joined his wife Mildred; and great granddaughter, Eden Noelle around the throne.
Gene was born September 23, 1922 to Robert and Anna Newby. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1940. Gene married Mildred Claxton on May 8, 1941. He served as a Tech Sgt. in the Air Force during WWII and the Korean War, being honorable discharged in 1952. He retired as a civilian from TAFB.
Gene and his family lived in Midwest City for 54 years. After Mildred's death, he moved to Village on the Park in OKC to live out his remaining years. Gene loved his retirement home, the friends and staff at VOP. He led a weekly Bible Study, was a regular at daily devotions and enjoyed the weekly trips around the state. He was particularly fond of breakfast at the Village.
Bro. Newby was a long time member of Crossroads Church in OKC. He served his church faithfully as Head Usher and was a fixture in the "count room" every Sunday. He enjoyed the Golden Heirs and counted those as his dearest friends. He had great love for missionaries and supported their works generously throughout his adult life. His current burden was for Trent and Tina Morrow's work with Uruguay's children and Kirk and Karla Ford's Royal Ranger program in Siberia, Russia. He also supported Convoy of Hope monthly.
He was involved in the Royal Ranger program of the Assemblies of God churches for over 20 years. He attended numerous camp outs and events and was well known by many commanders around the state. He was affectionately known as the "camp dog" at the annual PowWow held at Adventureland in Chandler.
He is survived by a daughter, Tonya Pember of OKC; granddaughter Brittany and husband Nathan Teigland of Houston, Texas. , A grandson, Dustin Gene Pember and fiancé Lissa Whitlatch of Seattle. And his last great gift, eight week old great granddaughter Eliana Grace Teigland.
Gene spent his last few weeks on the third floor of the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital. The family wishes to thank the staff there for their abundant care and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, The Gene Newby Adventureland Memorial Fund has been established through Crossroads Church 8901 S. Shields Okc 73149. The fund will provide a bunkhouse for retired commanders to continue enjoying PowWow.
Services are Monday, July 25 at 1:00 pm at Crossroads Church. The family will receive visitors at Bill Eisenhour Del City on Sunday evening, July 24 6:00-8:00 pm.
Arrangements under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, Del City, OK.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
July 24, 2011
Paula (Barnett) Ritchie
I worked for Mr. Newby at Tinker many years ago. He gave me wonderful guidance and support during those years. I always laughed at getting Easter candy or Valentine's candy --- always the day after the holiday when the sales were on! He helped to make work a pleasure. I always had a lot of respect for the person Mr. Newby was and his witness -- always involved in his Church activities and helping others!
Mr. Newby - You made it to your destination! RIP! I know you have everyone smiling!
July 23, 2011
Cindy Sandine
I worked with and for "Mr. Newby" my first years at Tinker - starting in 1967. At work he was Harold instead of Gene. We called him "Weird Harold", after a cartoon guy. It was definitely a term of endearment. What a character! Great man. I wonder if he still had the little metal man my husband made for him at retirement. It was made of aircraft transmission parts welded together.
Sounds like he had a wonderful life. My sympathy to the family.
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