Robert Andrew “Bob” Newton, 98, of Brady

bob-newton

Robert Andrew Newton, age 98, of Brady, Texas and formerly of Lake Jackson, Texas passed away peacefully at his home in Brady on Sunday, April 18, 2021.  “Bob” as he was known by his family and friends was born September 23, 1922 to Andrew Newton and Agnes (Christensen) Newton in Oakville, Washington.  He grew up on a farm and was a 1940 graduate of Oakville High School.  He began his college studies at Pacific Lutheran College.  WW II interrupted his studies when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in France and Germany.  Upon his Honorable Discharge he returned to marry Anne Lien in August of 1946 in Tacoma, Washington and continue his education at the University of Washington in Seattle where he earned his bachelor’s degree and his PhD.  His career led him to New Jersey and then to Lake Jackson, Texas in 1956 with Dow Chemical Company.  He retired in 1985 as an Associate Scientist after 29 productive, innovative years.

Bob was an avid reader and a life-long learner and was interested in a wide variety of subjects.  He was a strong advocate of education, giving generously to universities, colleges, libraries and more.  He would describe himself as a problem solver in his work and in his life.  His faith was quietly shown in his service to Christ.  He was very active in his community.  He volunteered as an ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructor, served as the hospitality chair at Center Stages (local live theater) and served as president and in other capacities of the Brazosport Cares food pantry.  He was also active with the Bay Area Boy Scouts of America and the Men’s Garden Club.  He was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Lake Jackson for over 50 years where his contributions of time and talent are too numerous to list.  He was also a regular blood donor, donating over 100 gallons of blood.

Bob moved to Brady in 2013.  He enjoyed living with his daughter Janette and her husband Don.  He was always interested in what was growing in the garden, especially once the produce was served for a meal.  He liked the variety of meats that also came from their property and the local fresh fish.  He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason.

A memorial service for Robert Andrew Newton will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 8, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 104 Magnolia Street in Mason with Pastor Fred Krebs officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 to 8 at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels in Brady.  Inurnment of the cremated remains will be in the Houston National Cemetery Columbarium.  Friends may view Robert Andrew Newton’s Memorial Video Tribute and/or sign the online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com.

Robert Newton is survived by his daughters Joyce Powell and husband Wayne of North Carolina and Janette Tomlinson and husband Don of Brady, Texas; sons Kenneth Newton and wife Anne Mahler of Oregon and John Newton of California; grandchildren Jennifer Powell, Kevin Powell, Rachel Powell, Sarah Mahler Newton, Bryan Tomlinson, Robert Tomlinson and Royce Newton and great-grandchildren Lucas and Laurel.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Anne and sisters Connie and Barbara.  Memorial contributions in memory of Robert Andrew Newton may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 26, Mason, TX 76856