Kenneth Newcomer

Kenneth Charles Newcomer left his earthly family on January 15, five days after his 91st birthday. He was born to Jacob and Florence Newcomer on January 10, 1917 in Greentop where he remained until college. Kenneth graduated from Northeast Missouri State College where he belonged to the honorary Blue Key Fraternity and the college a cappella choir. After graduating in 1938, Kenneth took a position with the Marthasville school and continued graduate work at the University of Missouri. While teaching, Kenneth met his future wife Ruth Ferguson. On December 26, 1940 the couple married and embarked on a journey of 66 years of marriage that ended recently with the death of Ruth. The newly married couple moved frequently while Kenneth served in the army during World War II. A brief assignment with the Veteran's Administration led Kenneth to move his wife and two sons to Springfield in 1951. For a number of years, Kenneth sold securities before he resumed teaching in Springfield. He taught math at Jarrett Junior High for 18 years until his retirement in 1977.

Kenneth engaged in various lifelong interests that included studying financial issues, singing, golfing and traveling. For many years he sang in the choir at University Heights and utilized his finance background to serve on various boards and committees for nearly 50 years. As a chartered member of Twin Oaks Country Club, he enjoyed numerous rounds of golf and various social functions. In retirement Kenneth and Ruth volunteered for several organizations and traveled extensively. Throughout life, Kenneth took great pride and interest in his family. Survivors include sons James and wife La Reva of Springfield and Charles and wife Marilyn of Redmond, WA. Grandchildren include Jeff Newcomer and wife Beth of Fall City, WA; Brad Newcomer and wife Julie of Bellevue, WA; Taisha Newcomer of Independence, MO; Toby Newcomer and wife Pilar Plazas of Atlanta, GA; Tybre Newcomer and wife Cozette Phillips of Rochester, NY. Three great-grandchildren live in the state of Washington: Tyler Newcomer; Caley and Henry Newcomer. Kenneth's sister, Hazel Baurichter, also survives and lives in Columbia with her husband Cletus.

A service to celebrate the life of Kenneth will be held Saturday, January 19 at 3 p.m. in the chapel at University Heights Baptist Church under the direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Kenneth requested memorial donations be made to the Salvation Army, University Heights Deacon's Benevolence Fund, Springfield Victory Mission or a similar charity to assist the needy. Final interment of Kenneth Newcomer will be at the Springfield Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.hhlohmeyer.com.