Charles Delbert Newton went to be with the love of his life on January 11, 2026, at 10:42 p.m. He passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, surrounded by family, at The Gardens Memory Care Center.

Charles was born on October 24, 1931, in Erie, Kansas, to Ralph and Juanita Newton. He graduated from Chanute Senior High School in 1950, where he played football, and his friends affectionately called him "Newt."

On a senior trip, Charles and a couple of close friends spent time harvesting wheat across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, traveling and living off what they earned—an adventure that reflected the work ethic and determination that would mark his life.

Charles joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. When he returned home to Chanute in 1952, he met the love of his life, Louise Waldrip. They were married on October 3, 1952, beginning 73 beautiful years of marriage and a love that shaped their entire family.
Charles attended Neosho County Community College for two years and then transferred to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, where he earned his degree in engineering.

Charles and Louise later moved back to Chanute, Kansas, where they welcomed their daughter, Pamela Lynn. Charles worked for Byers and later for Ash Grove Cement Company. In 1965, he transferred to Ash Grove Lime Company in Springfield, Missouri, where he served as an engineer, then assistant plant manager, and later plant manager. He retired in 1995.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Juanita Newton; his beloved sister, Juanita Gregg ("Nan"); and his treasured wife, Louise Newton.

Charles is survived by his daughter, Pamela Lynn Newton; his son, Charles David Newton, and daughter-in-law Julie Newton, of Springfield, Missouri; his grandchildren Kristin Michelle, of Nixa, Missouri, and David Kendall Newton and his wife Nikki Newton, of Jefferson City, Missouri; and his great-grandchildren Arianna and Patience Forster, and Kohen, Asher, Elsie, Bear, and Titus Charles Newton.

Charles adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his wife and family with all his heart and was truly a man of integrity.

Charles was a ruling elder (mariner) in the Presbyterian Church and was also a Springfield Mason.

He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, cruising, scuba diving, traveling, building, flying, and- most famously- wrecking remote-control airplanes. He also loved gardening (especially with his daughter-in-law Julie) and bird watching.

Our family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Gail Jones, who took such wonderful care of our parents while they were still at home. We also want to thank The Gardens Memory Care Unit for the love, kindness, hugs, and warmth they gave to our parents and to our family this past year. We love you all so much.

And a special thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and continues to pray with us during this time.

A Memorial Service to honor the lives of both Charles and Louise will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM, with Visitation from 9:00 - 10:00 AM, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.