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Phillip Newton Obituary
November 9, 1934 - November 13, 2020
Modesto, California - Phillip E. Newton entered into eternal rest on November 13, 2020 after enduring a lengthy and brave battle with cancer.
Phillip was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on October 9, 1934. His family relocated to California where they settled in Modesto. He graduated from Modesto High School, class of 1952. He married Anita Newton on September 26, 1954.
Phillip was a hard working family man who loved deep sea fishing and a good cigar. Phil served his community as the first black city councilman to represent citizens of Modesto in 1969 and again in 1973. He retired from Knudsen's Dairy and Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department as a Correctional Officer.
Phillip leaves to mourn two sons, Travis E. Newton and Rodney J. Newton, daughter-in-law, Patricia Newton, grandsons, Anton Cooley, Reggie Seabron and Rodney J Newton Jr. He is predeceased by his parents, Burl Newton and Cora Bailey Newton, wife Anita Newton, daughter, Kimberly Newton and four brothers. Phillip will be loved and missed by a host of relatives and family left behind. May he rest in peace.
Graveside services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. November 23, 2020 at 1pm. Masks & social distancing are required.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Newton
4 Entries
Jeremiah williams
November 25, 2022
I´m so sorry that I missed the celebration of life service for the distinguished first former Modesto City Councilmember, Phillip E Newton however, I still live in the shadows of his greatness by now becoming on November 29, 2022 ,the third African-American, to be elected to the Modesto City Council in over 150 years
Varna Nolen
November 28, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Phillip and I had a few conversations by phone about family history, but I never got to know him. I am his great niece. Ollie Butler, his sister was my grandmother. Please know I am praying for peace for the family.
Varna Nolen
Curtis and Katherine Sheppard
November 22, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. He was a very special man with such a sincere, gentle demeanor. He loved his family and cared deeply about his community.
It was always a pleasure to see and visit with Phil and Anita, while dining at Fajardo's Mexican Restaurant on 7th Street. He will be missed.
We are sending much love and prayers for Travis,Rodney and Phil's entire family.
Bob Roton
November 20, 2020
Phil was a good man! I worked with him at the Sheriff's Dept until his retirement. When he first started I knew he was a little older than me but couldn't have guessed that he was more than twenty years older. He certainly kept up with us younger deputies.
After he'd been there for awhile I found out that he attended high school with my mom and two of his children attended high school with me.
Travis was a year ahead of me and Kim was in my class.
I really enjoyed working with Phil. He was cool in a crisis and had great people skills. Calmed down many volatile situations at the old jail.
He was so layed back and I enjoyed many conversations with him. He was missed when he retired and missed even more now!!
My condolences to his children and grandchildren! Bob Roton
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