Kenneth Dale Newton
1942 - 2025

On October 30, 2025, Kenneth Dale Newton of Azle, Texas peacefully passed from this life on to his heavenly home.  He was born on February 6, 1942 in Hastings, Nebraska.  Kenneth, or Ken, lived a life defined by curiosity, kindness, laughter, and a deep devotion to both family and faith.

Ken grew up with the steady values of the Midwest.  As a young man, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Navy on May 24, 1960.  He was stationed in Japan for most of his tour where he learned Morse code, a skill he would recall fondly throughout his life.  His military service shaped his discipline and sense of adventure, sparking a lifelong fascination with travel and the wider world.

After returning home, Ken met his wife, Shirley, at Dalton's Café in Hastings, Nebraska in 1964 where she worked as a waitress.  A year later, they were married on Valentine's Day.  Through Shirley, he was introduced to a faith that would become the cornerstone of his life – a deep, personal relationship with God and a lifelong passion for biblical knowledge.  A few months later, Ken and Shirley had their first child, Bradley.  Fourteen years after that, they would welcome their second child, Matthew. Ken also adored his grandchildren, Sadie, Molly, and Henry Newton.

One of Ken's favorite pastimes was riding his motorcycle.  What often began as a "quick ride around the block" would turn into journeys stretched for miles, or even across state lines all the way to Colorado.  Those long rides reflected his spirit: adventurous, free-spirited, and full of quiet wonder at the beauty of the world around him.  He also enjoyed tinkering on home projects and took great pride in fixing things himself.  He was known for his resourcefulness and can-do attitude.  His laughter was infectious, his wit sharp, and his heart boundless.

At home, he was most at ease with a hot cup of tea in his hand as he solved a crossword puzzle, worked on a jigsaw puzzle, or unraveled a verse of scripture.  If he wasn't cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, or watching another episode of Family Feud, he was found in the garage, tinkering on his car.   When his brother, Ron Newton (wife Shirley) came to visit, a family tradition of pinochle that spanned generations was inevitable.  It wasn't a true family gathering until the cards were dealt, the jokes began, and laughter filled the room.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Shirley Newton, and his dear sisters, Dorothy Dane and Jeannette Newton. He is survived by his sons, Bradley Newton and Matthew (Natalie) Newton; his treasured grandchildren, Sadie, Molly, and Henry; his brother, Ron (Shirley) Newton; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him deeply and will carry his memory forward.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5th at Azle Church of Christ.
Burial will follow the service at Azleland Cemetery

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23