Glen Edward Newton

My dad, Glen Edward Newton, was born on August 8, 1939, to Lawrence and Violet Newton in Sycamore, Missouri, in Ozark County. He was the eldest son of six children. He is survived by all of his siblings: Velma Collins, Marvin Newton (Connie), Sam Ray, Marcel Glynn (Bob), and Vonda Freemyer.

I've always been told that Dad was onery from the day he was born. He and his younger brother especially enjoyed keeping their little sisters on their toes, setting traps in the woods, making up games with rules that somehow always worked in their favor, and finding plenty of mischief along the way. He loved swimming in the river and spending time at his grandparents' house, where there was always music, family, and cousins to play with.

As a teenager, his family moved to Springfield, Missouri. At the age of 21, he and his brother Marvin enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Arlington, Virginia, and had the distinct honor of serving on the Honor Guard during President John F. Kennedy's funeral procession in Washington, D.C.

While Dad was serving in the Air Force, his family moved to Sugar Creek, Missouri. After completing his military service, he joined them there in 1964. That same year, he began a career with the Sugar Creek Police Department that would span 38 years. Through hard work and dedication, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant before retiring in 2002.

One of the very first things Dad did after returning home from the Air Force was buy himself a car. His choice was a silver 1963 Corvette Sting Ray convertible with a red interior. That Corvette quickly became the love of his life-or at least until he met his true love, Donna.

Not long after settling into Sugar Creek, a friend convinced him to go on a blind date with a cute little blonde named Donna Clasby. Thankfully, he listened. That blind date changed both of their lives forever. They were married on October 22, 1966, and shared nearly 60 wonderful years together. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

In 1971, they bought a home in Sugar Creek on Norledge, where they built a lifetime of memories over the next 55 years. Mom and Dad spent many happy years traveling and enjoying life together before their family grew in October of 1974, when a little bundle of joy named Allison arrived and changed everything. From then on, the three of us did everything together. We visited all 50 states and drove more miles than one could ever count, creating memories that will stay with me forever.

Dad was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing and knew just about every fishing pond in the Kansas City metro area. When he wanted to catch "the big one," he headed to places like Cabo San Lucas, Brazil, and Florida. Deer hunting with his brother and nephews was one of his favorite traditions, and he even traveled to Alaska to hunt.

He also loved working in his garden, especially growing tomatoes. In fact, someone recently said to me, "Oh, your dad - the tomato man." I couldn't help but smile because he would have absolutely loved being remembered that way. Over the years he also enjoyed bowling, playing softball, and even keeping bees, but hunting and fishing were always closest to his heart.

In 2007, Dad became "Pop" for the first time when his granddaughter Jameson was born. Since he was retired, he was able to spend several days each week with Jameson alongside her "Ma'am," and the bond they built was incredibly special. Two years later, in 2009, he welcomed his grandson Sutton. Pop spoiled Sutton every chance he got, and Sutton loved every minute of it. Dad was so proud of both of his grandchildren. They brought him endless joy, and there was nothing he loved more than being their Pop.

Dad lived a life defined by service, adventure, family, and love. Whether he was wearing a police uniform, casting a fishing line, tending his tomatoes, taking another road trip, or simply spending time with the people he loved most, he did it with his own unmistakable spirit. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his dedication, his love of the outdoors, and, most of all, the deep love he had for his family. We will miss him every day, but we are so grateful for the memories he gave us and the life he shared with all of us.

Glen is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; daughter, Allison Mangold and husband Eric; grandchildren, Jameson Mangold and Sutton Mangold. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Violet (Smith) Newton; and brother-in-laws, Bill Collins, Aubry Ray and Larry Freemyer. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 17th from 1-2pm at Carson-Speaks Chapel in Independence, Mo. His memorial service will begin at 2pm. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to the Parkinson's Foundation.