Kenneth John "Red" Newton

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Posted Friday, August 14, 2009

Kenneth John “Red” Newton, 90, a native of Wolf Point, Mont., and a resident of Thibodaux, La., died Thursday, Aug. 13, at 10:55 a.m.


He is survived by his wife, Mary Newton; three daughters, Sharon Snearly and husband Richard of Grants Pass, Ore., Betsy Rodrigues of Clipper Mills, Calif., and Peggy Forrestier and husband Sidney of Thibodaux; four sons, Buddy Holder and wife Carolyn of Tipton, Calif., Larry Sadler and wife Sue of Sacramento, Ky., Carlos Sadler and wife JoAnn of Crossville, Tenn., and Nolan Sadler and wife Phyllis of Kevil, Ky.; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.


He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Martha; and one daughter, Bernice.

The family would like to thank Thibodaux Regional Medical Center’s second floor staff, Hospice of South Louisiana, the wonderful members of University Baptist Church of Thibodaux, Jim and Jane Duck, Pat and Joe Moore and Sandy Guidry.

Kenneth was born in Wolf Point on Dec. 1, 1918. He was raised and worked on a ranch. In his early teens, he hobo-ed all over the country by way of the railroads. He returned home and married Martha Meyers. He and Martha settled in northern California with their daughters Sharon and Betsy. At the beginning of World War II, he joined the Merchant Marines and served in the south China seas with pride and dignity on a Liberty ship. After the war, he joined the Carpenter’s Union in the late 40’s and remained a member until his death. After Martha passed away, he married Mary Davis in 1972. They lived in a home he built in Oroville, Calif., for 30 years. His passion was building and re-building antique gas engines. In 2002, he and Mary moved to Thibodaux for their later years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift of gab. He had a good, long life and died a gentleman’s death. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at a later date conducted by his daughter Sharon in Grants Pass.

Samart Funeral Home in Houma, La., is in charge of the arrangements.