Newell O. Propst

HICKORY - Newell Owens Propst, 89, of Hickory, died peacefully Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Lutheran Home-East. He was born June 28, 1919, in Cleveland County to the late Charlies W. Propst Sr. and Minnie Reinhardt Propst. He also was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children. Mattie Gross Propst; and also his wife, Bonnie Ritchie Propst; a grandson, "Gene" Clay; four brothers, Arlin, Houston, Herman and Robert "Bobby"; two sisters, Loreen Kiser and Alice Sue Lynn; and a daughter-in-law, Joan Schronce Propst. His occupations were many and varied; he was a truck driver for Abernathy Transfer and Southern Desk, he worked in hosiery at Ellis Hosiery and Johnson Hosiery Mills, a brick mason at Great Lakes Carbon Plant, owned and operated his own construction company and sawmill business. He enjoyed working with his hands and being outdoors. He also was a farmer, beekeeper and a good neighbor whom anyone could call on for help with a project or need. Newell raised his family at Royal Chapel Church of God and most recently was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Long View. He is survived by three daughters, Kathryn Pennell and husband, James, of Deep Gap and Evelyn Eckard and husband, Don, and Phyllis Clay, all of Hickory; two sons, Dwight Propst of Hildebran and Kenneth Propst and wife, Lois, of Hickory; a stepson, Dennis Ritchie and wife, Diane, of Mooresville; a stepdaughter, Linda Johnston of Winston-Salem; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; one stepgrandson; two sisters, Helen Harris of Gastonia and Margie Cline of Hickory; a brother, Charles Propst Jr. of Hickory; and many nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 10, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Royal Chapel Church of God. The funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Royal Chapel Church of God with the Rev. Byron Repass officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. At other times the family will be at the family home, 6930 Baker's Mountain Road. Memorials may be sent to Royal Chapel Church of God, 7190 George Hildebran Road, Hickory, N.C. 28602 or Bethel United Methodist Church, 80 28th St., NW, Hickory, N.C. 28601. The family of Newell Propst wishes to thank the staff of Lutheran Home-East. We will be eternally grateful to the capable nursing staff who lovingly cared for Newell during the last three years. Hickory Funeral Home, 1031 11th Ave. Blvd., SE, is in charge of the arrangements.