David Richard Newell Jr.

With his wife by his side, David's spirit was set free on January 26, 2026, after a 16-year battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born in Porterdale, Georgia, to David and Rebecca Newell, David was the oldest of seven children. His early life was shaped by humble beginnings and frequent moves. During his high school years, his natural athletic ability led him to cross-country running, a lifelong passion.

David enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Morocco. After his service, his love of travel carried him across England and then on a remarkable 10,000-mile bus journey from London to Calcutta, India. While in Calcutta, he worked at a Sikh temple serving meals to the poor-an experience that profoundly shaped his worldview.

After returning home, David met his first wife, Patti. Together they traveled the country in a VW bus before settling in Clovis. Their love of travel never faded.

David deeply loved the outdoors. He was also an avid reader and lifelong learner, especially drawn to other cultures, belief systems, and the origins of humankind.

David and Patti later earned degrees in anthropology at UC Davis. Not long afterward, Patti was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and, after an eight-year battle, passed away. Several years later, David remarried.

In 2010, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. As the illness slowly took his independence, mobility, and even his ability to read, David met each loss with grace. Easygoing and soft-spoken, he was everyone's greatest supporter, no matter how harebrained the idea. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Unmaterialistic and generous, he gave freely of himself, and no request from his loved ones was ever too great.

One of David's deepest joys was being escorted through the ramshackle garden at home. He never noticed the weeds or unfinished projects. It was his greatest gift: whether in the garden or in life, David only saw the flowers. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

David leaves behind his wife, Marie, his stepchildren, Pam (Chris) Bechler McCarty, and Phillipe Bechler; his sister, Bonnie (Bill) Tibeau; brothers Tim (Leslie) Newell, Marc (Yuko) Newell, Sean (Mandy) Newell, Mathew (Niki) Newell, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Daniel Newell.

We would like to thank everyone who helped David on this long journey, especially the staff of Visionary Assisted Living and Hospice of the Central Coast.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

For more information, please contact Eddington Funeral Services, King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com .