Newton Dodds

CHAMPAIGN - Newton Harris Dodds died peacefully on Thursday (March 6, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. 

The youngest son of Julia Harris Dodds and Donald C. "Pick" Dodds Sr., Newt spent his life in the community he loved. He attended Champaign High School, The Asheville School and Iowa State University. After college and the Army, he farmed his family's land and started the Interstate Research Park with his brother, Donald Dodds Jr. In the 1970s, Newt began First Illinois Construction and later Dodds Company with his son, Jason Dodds, from which he retired in 2021. 

Newt was very proud to be from Champaign and devoted much of his life to bettering the community. He spent over 40 years on the board of the Champaign Park District and upon his retirement, was honored by having the tennis center he and his brother helped build named after him. Additionally, Newt had a great affinity for the Champaign Public Library and Burnham City Hospital, and was on the board of BankChampaign since its founding. 

Besides Champaign, his second favorite place in the world was Petit St. Vincent, having visited PSV and the Caribbean well over 25 times. He loved the history and the people and was considered "the mayor" of PSV.  He was truly happiest sitting on the beach with his family, with a drink in his hand.

An avid golfer, he was a two-time club champion at Champaign Country Club. He loved the game and time spent with his friends on the course. He was a lifetime season ticket holder of both Illini basketball and football and a supporter of Illini golf.  

Newt was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan Edwards, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage, and two wonderful children, Jason Harris Dodds and Holly Harris Dodds. His second wife, Lisa Lindsay Whitworth, also preceded him in death. Newt and Lisa spent many happy years together and enjoyed celebrating life events with their blended family. 

Newt is survived by his son, Jason (Lynnette) Dodds; daughter, Holly Dodds; stepson, Bryan (Ashley) Whitworth; stepdaughter, Meghan (Ben) Biddle; and grandchildren Hayden Dodds, Olivia Dodds, Davis Whitworth, Charlie Biddle, Lisa Whitworth, William Biddle and Lindsay Biddle.

There will be a private family burial followed by a celebration of life on Tuesday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Champaign Country Club. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Champaign Park District Foundation and the Champaign Public Library Foundation.

Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.