Earl Dean Newton Sr.

Earl "Dean" NEWTON, Sr. Born April 27, 1931, was called home October 9, 2008, surrounded by loving family in the comfort of his home in Tacoma, WA. Dean was born in Longview, WA, the third of four children born to Minnie & Hix Newton. He graduated in June of 1949 from Winlock High School in Winlock, WA, where he was Captain of the football team. He began what would be his life-long career at United Airlines on June 1, 1956. He retired after 40 years with United where he had worked his way up, serving as Ramp Supervisor and Cargo Supervisor early on and completing his career as Premier Customer Service Representative, never missing a day in those 40 years. He loved to spend his free time playing golf, bowling, baseball and, of course, his favorite past-time Cribbage. He was a wonderful cook and loved to bake, something he shared with his dear mother, Minnie, and was passionate about making homemade fudge for the family, as well as attending family reunions, family holidays and traveling globally. He was a long-standing member of the Elks Lodge of Tacoma, WA and proud member of Toastmasters International. He is survived by his loving & devoted wife of 45 wonderful years, Nita (Karman) Newton; his Aunt Alma "Toots" Koerner, Miles City, MT; Aunt Ann Fletcher, Billings, MT; brother & sister-in-law, Ralph & Maggie Newton, Gold Canyon, AZ; sister, Ila Rice-Marean, Reedsport, OR; his children, daughter & son-in-law Penny & Chris Gerber, Lolo, MT; son & daughter-in-law George & Di Newton, Milton, WA; son & daughter-in-law, Bud & Jo Newton, Mustang, OK; Dee Reed, Tacoma, WA; Bobby Kaye, Federal Way, WA; Rick Kaye, Auburn, WA; Debbie Headland, Tacoma, WA; daughter & son-in-law, Claudia & Todd Speelman, Carlsbad, CA; son & daughter-in-law, Barry & Diana Newton, Spring, TX; along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, close friends; and his honorary children, Steve, Brenda & William (Tacoma, WA). He was preceded in death by his father, Hix Harley Newton; parents, Floyd & Minnie Ogletree; brother, Harold Harley Newton; daughter, Cindy Newton; grandson, James Earl Newton; and granddaughter, Mandy Newton. Dean began and ended each day with a warm kiss and a heartfelt "I love you, Sweetie!" for his beautiful wife, Nita. The family wishes to thank numerous people for their help and support in Dean's final days: MultiCare Hospice: Yasuko, RN; Stacey, RN; Angela, Jana, Tiana, Peg, Rose, Paula, Tom and Betty. Physician: Daniel C. Ginsberg, MD, Internal Medicine at Allenmore and his staff In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations, on behalf of Earl Dean Newton, to MultiCare Hospice, 710 S. Fawcett Avenue - P.O. Box 5200 - Tacoma, WA 98415-0200. A private memorial service is being held in Bend, Oregon, per Dean's wishes. Sweetheart, Dad, Brother, Grandfather, cherished family member We love you very, very, very much!!! ~ May God's many blessings surround you.~