Jake Newsome

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Richard Bart Newsome, “Jake”, passed away Sunday January 30, 2022, at Mercy Springfield Hospital surrounded by his family. Jake was born December 31, 1942, in Kansas City, MO to Anna Rosalie (Olivia) Newsome. He grew up in Kansas City, MO where he graduated from Westport High School in 1962. 

In 1964, Jake joined the Navy at the US Naval Station in Brooklyn, NY. During his 4 years in the Navy he sailed to many locations around the world. After his time in the Navy, Jake studied at Maplewoods Community College and the Regional Center for Criminal Justice. 

After obtaining numerous certifications he worked for the Metro Kansas City Police Department where he held several positions over the years. Jake decided to leave the city and made the decision to move to Lamar. 

Once there, Jake owned and operated Jake’s Place until his retirement. 

On July 1, 2000, Jake married Norma Jean Schmitt in Eureka Springs, AR. Together they enjoyed traveling and taking cruises. Jake also enjoyed boating simply for the tranquility of being on the water. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and enjoyed many Friday card games with his friends. 

Jake enjoyed all sports, especially football. The Kansas City Chiefs were his favorite team. The day before the anticipated Chiefs and Bengals playoff game, the Springfield Mercy ICU nurses surprised him by decorating his room with Chiefs decorations and memorabilia. Jake had a charismatic personality that often drew others to him. 

Jake is survived by his wife Norma; a daughter, Terra (Bryan) Stevens of Lamar, MO; and 5 grandchildren, Maddie Stevens and Megan Tummons of Lamar, MO, Dominic (Mindy) Stevens of Travis Air Force Base, California, Jordan Stevens of Cassville, MO, and Brittany Stevens of El Dorado Springs, MO; and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Terry (Angie) Newsome of Kansas City, MO; a niece that was dear to his heart, Erica Newsome of Kansas City, MO; and many more nieces and nephews. Surviving sisters-in-law include Carol Ann (Jim) Dill, Mary Ballard, Lucy Braun, and Nancy Hatfield. Surviving brothers-in-law include Dean (Hui Cha) Schmitt, Bill (Brenda) Schmitt, and Kerry Blanchard. 

Jake is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Newsome; a brother, Larry Newsome; and sisters-in-law, Pat Blanchard and Carolyn Newsome. 

A funeral is planned for Saturday February 5, 2022 at 2 PM and there will be a visitation Friday February 4, 2022 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Konantz Warden Funeral Home.