Stephen T. Newton

Stephen T. Newton, age 64, of Lake of Egypt, IL, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:08 a.m. at Deaconess Illinois Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL.
He was born on July 5, 1960, in Indianapolis, IN, a son to Francis Eugene and Phyllis Ruth (Thoroman) Newton.
Steve grew up in Indianapolis and was a 1979 graduate of Broad Ripple High School. He continued his education at Purdue University earning his bachelor's degree in Aviation Technology in 1983. After earning his bachelor's degree, he answered the call of his nation and proudly served his country in the United States Army and after his period of faithful service was honorably discharged. He then went on to earn his Master's in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, graduating in 1994.
Steve married Lori Covert on December 10, 1987 at the Philippsruhe Schloss in Hanau, Germany and together they have shared thirty-seven years of marriage.
Steve had a successful career as a contract manager working for companies such as BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and most recently Fluor. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in 1976.
Steve enjoyed many and various outdoor activities over his lifetime. He learned to water ski as a boy while in the scouts. He enjoyed this sport and continued to ski whenever the opportunity was afforded to him. The sport became a family passed time as his children grew up and learned to ski as well. He closed out his last summer water skiing with both his sons.
Steve was an avid snow skier during his time in Colorado, enjoying the black diamond slopes of Loveland pass. Colorado is also where he began cycling, commuting to his job via his bicycle for a number of years. In his later years, he picked up paddle boarding. He would take leisurely rides along the shore of Lake Egypt in Southern Illinois during the summer months exploring the many channels and waterways. He tried his hand at hunting whitetail deer with his son. Although he wasn't able to fill a tag during his time on Earth, he enjoyed exploring the public land, learning about the wildlife, and spending time with his son Thomas who also shared the pursuit. Steve had a curious mind and enjoyed working with his hands. He was skilled in wood working and was familiar with every conceivable tool found in the average garage or workshop and beyond. He took great joy in solving problems be it mechanical or organizational. He had a great passion for business and invention. In fact, he had conceived of a unique fan design and was awarded multiple utility patents from the US Patent office related to his invention. He won multiple Federal grant competitions and worked with university faculty to help develop his idea. He was close to completing a functioning prototype before his passing. It was his desire to build a company that he could pass on to his children as an inheritance.
Steve was a baptized Christian who found his spiritual home in the LCMS church. It was his deep and heartfelt belief that the faith and tradition professed by the LCMS was the one most closely aligned with the truth of God's word. He loved his local church, Good Shephard Lutheran Church of Marion Illinois, and served both as president of the church and head of the security committee as well as participated in the choir alongside his wife.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lori Newton of Lake of Egypt, IL; two daughters, Elsbeth Ruth Newton of Thorton, CO and Rachel Erin Rose Newton of CO; two sons, Stephen Thomas Newton II of Lake of Egypt, IL and Alexander Campbell Newton of Denver, CO; his mother, Phyllis Newton of Indianapolis, IN; five grandchildren, Miya Evans, Gabriel Newton, Adaline Newton, Charles Newton and Shiloh Newton; sisters and brothers-in-law, Margie Hamm and Mark, of Indianapolis, IN and Diana Green and husband, Don, of South Bend, IN; brother, Lester Rush of CA; mother-in-law, Dwanah Tajalle of Pahrump, NV; sisters-in-law, Myles Winter of Albuquerque, NM; several nieces and nephews; and several other extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 1801 Westminster Drive, Marion, IL, on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will resume on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
The funeral service will be at the church on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Mark Surburg presiding.
Interment will be in Mound City National Cemetery, Mound City, IL, on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the "Good Shepherd Lutheran Church." Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home, church or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL, 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.