Arthur Newton "Newt" Bartley

"Big Newt" took off to be with his beloved wife Billie Gene on December 21, 2018. Born in Ladonia, TX on September 16, 1923, Newt was an avid sportsman and played football for the Ladonia Rattlers. His time playing for Arkansas was interrupted with Pearl Harbor and he immediately enlisted in the Navy. Because of his high academic achievements, the Navy sent him to Texas A&M, as well as schools in Indiana and Treasure Island, CA to prepare him for his assignment. As part of the Pacific Fleet, he was Radio Technician First Class aboard the destroyer USS Bagley DD386. His service included many battles but also the honor of taking part in the Japanese Surrender formalities. Among his many medals was the Bronze Star. After returning from WW II, he married his love "Billie Gene Isaacs" and they began their life together in South Texas where Billie Gene taught school and Newt finished his Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering degrees at Texas A&I while working as a rough neck on the King Ranch. They moved to Houston and Newt joined Tenneco and Tennessee Gas Pipeline. Tennwood "home away from home" was where they enjoyed some of the best times in their 60 year marriage. Along with sons "Little Newt" and "Jebbo", golf became the passion. Friends and extended family grew from their time at Tennwood and they moved nearby to their country place in 1977. The parties began on the course and usually ended with poker games or "42" at "Bartley Woods II". In 2013, Newt moved to Austin where Jennifer (his "precious girl") became his constant companion and caregiver. He became part of her tennis and work groups and was her biggest fan. He was well known and loved not only by her friends but also her coworkers. Newt is survived by sons Newton & husband Eric, Jeb & wife Brenda, his granddaughters Jennifer, Caylan & Katherine, grandsons Ike, Jake & Brooks and great granddaughters Elliot & Emilia. Newt now joins parents Roxie Bell and T. Doan, sisters Dona Bell and Lola, and brothers Audie, CY, John, Paul T, Roy, Bob & T.D. Graveside services will be held at the Ladonia Cemetery in Ladonia, TX on Thursday December 27 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Disabled American Veterans or Wounded Warrior Project.