CARL WESLEY NEWLAND

Born in Kansas City, KS, November 8, 1925, the first child of Guy Wesley Newland and Mary Virginia (Virgie) Yoakum Newland died July 28, 2011, in San Antonio, TX. Carl graduated magna cum laude at age 16 from Kansas City's Wyandotte High School, and he worked on wartime munitions construction until he could join the U.S. Army Air Force at age 18. Serving in Europe, the Asia Pacific, and America, he quickly rose as an Airplane and Engine Mechanic to become a Crew Chief of B-25 and B-29 planes. He served as Sergeant Major at several Air Force bases and was promoted from Senior Master Sergeant to become the first Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, serving in the Strategic Air Command. He became third in line Air Force-wide Chief. In 1981, as a result of medical malpractice, Carl suffered severe brain damage, and he survived crippling disabilities throughout 30 years until his death in a nursing home. Carl married Erminda (Linda) Avenna December 1, 1945, and they became parents of surviving children: Patricia Jeanne Wimer, George Dennis Newland, and Terry Guy Newland. Following divorce in 1961, Carl married Laverne Hallmark Goff, parent of surviving children, Gary Goff and Page McCoy. Carl and Laverne legally separated a decade after his physical disability. Besides his children, Carl is survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and by his sister, Ruth Marie Hass, and brother, Chester (Bert) Newland, who looked after his three decades of medical and life care, with sustained support by attorney Stephen F. Lazor. Carl's skilled health-care and life management during his most difficult final decade was by Linda Brown. Throughout his life, Carl was a supportive leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He was an avid country music fan. He served for several years as a Sheriff's Volunteer in Comal County, where he was also a member of Masonic Lodge #1425, reaching his 50 year goal in June 2011. Carl's burial, facilitated by the Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home, is Tuesday, August 9, at 11 a.m., at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.