Obituary of Walter Newsom

Walter Wayne “Billâ€? Newsom was born December 30, 1920, near Centerview, Kansas, at the farm home of his parents, Walter Henry and Ollie Elizabeth (Parker) Newsom. He attended school at Centerview, graduating in 1937, at age 16. He then enrolled at Kansas State University for one year before returning to help run the family farm. He eventually landed a job at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, but returned home to marry his high school sweetheart. Wayne and Elsie Mae Allison were married February 15, 1942, at the Centerview Methodist parsonage. They made their first home in Wichita while Wayne continued working at Boeing until enlisting in the U.S. Navy in August of 1942. At the conclusion of the war, Wayne, his younger brother Vernon "Pete", and their families moved to Colorado. Wayne and Elsie began farming and ranching north of Limon in the Walk's Camp Community, where they raised three sons; Kenneth, Steve, and David. Wayne was an active member of the Limon First United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and served on various church boards. He was a member of the Limon Co-op Exchange Board of Directors, Colorado Association of Wheat Growers, and a member of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association. He served for over thirty years on the Limon School Board and was honored when the Activities Building was named after him and his long-time friend, Jess Christensen. In 1973 Wayne was joined by his son, Steve, in the family farm and ranch operation. They continued working together until Wayne's retirement due to his declining health in the late 1990's. Wayne loved family gatherings, whether it be holidays, reunions, harvest time, or various work projects. He loved playing cards, especially Pitch, and telling stories. He was an avid reader, sports fan, and enjoyed attending the activities of his children and grandchildren. He followed and supported the Limon Badger's sports, music, and other school activities. As his health declined, Wayne was lovingly and patiently cared for by his wife of nearly 64 years, allowing him to remain at home until his death. Wayne died November 13, 2005 at his home north of Limon. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lavona Simpson; and four brothers, Harold, Lowell, Merril and Vernon. He is survived by his wife, Elsie; three sons, Kenneth and his wife Janet of Broomfield, Steve and his wife Sharon of Limon, and David and his wife Alta of Clovis, CA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Kevin, Kurtis (Barb), Tracy (Tim), Kyle and Miguel; six great-grandchildren, and other relatives and many friends. Services for “Billâ€? were held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday November 16, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church in Limon, Colorado. Visitation was held Tuesday November 15, 2005 from 1-4 P.M. at the Love Funeral Home Limon, Colorado 80828 Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 178 Limon, Colorado 80828 and Lincoln Community Home Health and Hospice P.O. Box 248 Hugo, Colorado, 80821.