More detail on this person: A decorated Vietnam helicopter pilot, Donald Emery Newton, passed away on March 11, 2018, at his home in Katy, Texas, at the age of 74. Born on October 26, 1943, in Sikeston, Missouri, to Willos Emery Newton and Juanita Frances McGill Newton, Don grew up in the Bootheel of that state, graduating from Lilbourn High School. He attended the University of Missouri for a semester until his mother received a letter from the registrar's office stating her son had gone missing. He eventually was located in a bar playing bridge. Soon after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, was trained as a helicopter pilot and was dispatched to South Vietnam in August 1967, where he was a member of the A/229th Battalion of the famed 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). During his tour in Vietnam, Don (or "Fig" as he was called) was awarded a Silver Star, the third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat, along with the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired with the highest Chief Warrant Officer rating and earned his Master Aviator Wings. Don is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Linda Newton, who resembles his Irish mother in personality, love and strength. They were very rarely apart and were each other's comfort until the end. Don was a consummate gentleman with an enviable moustache. Having a deep and melodic voice, Don spent years selling advertising jingles, many for which he did the voice over. Later, Don and Linda owned and operated Showcase Enterprises, a highly successful television advertising and production studio in Houston. Don thought he could repair anything with duct tape, WD-40 and video cables. He was an avid reader and movie quoter, gifting his family with daily quotes from Airplane, Blazing Saddles and Tombstone. Not one to follow the rules, Don was never without cigars in his shirt pocket, even during his many visits to MD Anderson Cancer Center. He loved single malt scotch, poker, his tractor and Linda's chicken and dumplings. He is survived by children, Duke Keller (wife Jennifer) of Katy; Michelle Lovett (husband Ron) of Katy; Michael Newton of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Pam Keller (husband David Stone) of Fayetteville, Texas; a sister, Susan Newton (husband Nate Therian) of South Hadley, Massachusetts; and a brother, Ken Newton (wife Connie) of St. Joseph, Missouri; plus 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Don's personality can be summed up in just a few words: "Here, hold my beer." A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. He will receive full honors. Published in Houston Chronicle on Mar. 14, 2018
Burial information: National Cemetery , Houston, TX
This information was last updated 03/15/2018
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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