Newt Newberry

Newt Newberry Merwin (Newt) Newberry of Abilene left his earthly family and went to be with his heavenly Lord on December 4, 2012 in his home. Visitation will be at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene on Friday, December 7, 4:30-6:30 pm. A private interment will be held Saturday, December 8, followed by a celebration of his life at 1:00 pm in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary, officiated by Dr. Phil Christopher. Newt was born in Enid, Oklahoma on September 20, 1930 to Carl and Mozelle Newberry. He married Carol on September 7, 1980 in Abilene. Newt graduated from Texas Tech University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree. After working for several firms in Amarillo, Texas he moved to Abilene in 1968 and subsequently retired from his own firm of Newberry Roadcap Architects earlier this year. He was instrumental in the design of many unique homes and facilities in both the cities of Amarillo and Abilene. Throughout Newt's professional career he was blessed to work with many architects, engineers and contractors. Newt served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean conflict and remained in the U.S. Army Reserves. He retired as a Colonel at which time he received the "Legion of Merit" award. Newt was involved in many professional and civic organizations in Abilene including Abilene Volunteer Weatherization Board, Abilene Philharmonic Association, American Institute of Architects, Texas Society of Architects, West Texas Girl Scout Council, Texas Girl Scouts Legislative Cabinet and others. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Mozelle Newberry. Newt is survived by his loving wife Carol, sister Darla McBroom of Friona, sister-in-law Martha Gafford and husband George, daughter Tanna Finley and husband Neil of San Antonio, daughter Rebecca McMurray of Abilene, son John Howle and wife Deborah of Southlake, and son Mike Howle and wife Sonja of Boerne. His grandchildren are Kathryn Hoelscher and husband Michael, Lauren Finley, Mallory Finley, Nathaniel Finley, Alexandra McMurray, Haley Howle, Jonathan Howle and Lindsey Kolkman. He also had three great-grandchildren. The family expresses special thank you's to Hendrick Hospice Care, particularly Jodi, Visiting Angels particularly Jonathan and Jennifer, his loving lunch buddies Dwight, Ray and Bill. Also the family would like to thank Terri for her devoted care and love for Newt during this time. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Newt's name to Rescue the Animals SPCA, 4620 North 1st St., Abilene, TX 79603; The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar St., Abilene, TX 79601; and/or Abilene Volunteer Weatherization Program, PO Box 6356, Abilene, TX 79608-6356. Newt will be missed by all who loved him.