Kermitt Newton

Kermitt Newton, 84, passed away Thursday, September 11, 2014 surrounded by his wife and children. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary with Dr. Phil Christopher and Rev. Palmer McCown officiating. Visitation will follow in the Welcome Center at First Baptist Church. Kermitt was born on November 29, 1929 in Tye, Texas to William Clyde and Elizabeth Teaff Newton. He attended school in Crossroads and Tye and was a graduate of Merkel High School. After graduation, Kermitt served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war, Kermitt returned to Abilene where he worked for Southwestern Bell for 39 years, retiring in 1992. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Abilene serving as a deacon and on committees for Creating Tomorrow, Heritage and Hope, and Fulfilling the Dream. He especially enjoyed giving his time to serve the Bereavement Ministry and City Light Community Ministries. Kermitt was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilma Lou McCarver Newton; his parents; three brothers, Alton, Arthur and Clinton; and two sisters, Ann Ray and Louise Beaird. He is survived by his wife, Myra Gaye Marler Newton; his son Keith and wife Cindy Newton; his daughter Kim and husband Jim Sulivant; Gaye’s children, Scott and wife Pam Marler, and Cherie Gildea; grandchildren, Tanner, Tori and Laurel Newton, Allison and Clark Sulivant, Devin Crenshaw, and James Gildea; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Acting as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Adult 1 Men’s Sunday School Class and Men’s Prayer Breakfast. Memorials may be sent to City Light Community Ministries of First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 85, Abilene, TX 79604, and First Baptist Church Bereavement Ministry, P.O. Box 85, Abilene, TX 79604.