Leonard Thomas 'Bunny' Newton passed away January 27, 2019 following an extended illness.
He was born on January 5, 1923 in McAlester, Oklahoma to Ora and George Newton. Bunny was preceded in death by his parents, Ora and George; brothers, George, Wendell and Bill; a sister, Carol; and his son, Jef, who was killed in an automobile accident in 1985.
Bunny graduated from McAlester High School in McAlester, Oklahoma in 1940 and from the New Mexico Military Institute in 1942. He was drafted out of the University of Oklahoma in January of 1943, then discharged after the war in January of 1946. All four brothers served overseas in World War II and returned home safely.
Bunny attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois in the school of Horology for two years, studying watch making, jewelry repair, manufacturing and hand engraving. He then returned to Joplin to work with his father, George at Newton's Jewelers, until his death in 1962, when Bunny carried on with the family business.
Surviving is his wife, Jane; sons, Brian and wife, Peggy, Joplin, Bruce Newton, Joplin; six grandchildren, Sam Newton, Jessica Kienenberger, James Newton, all of Joplin, Jared Davis, Combine, Texas, Lacey Tidwell, Bella Vista, Arkansas, Aubrey Johnson, Bentonville, Arkansas; eleven great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Bunny served as vice president and president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce (JACC), past city council member, member of the Board of Directors of Downtown Joplin Association, member of the Airport Board and numerous other city committees. Mr. Newton and a local group of businessmen traveled to Germany to help bring over F.A.G. Bearing to Joplin. He loved to travel and he was happiest when he was flying his own plane, doing a few stunts and floating through the clouds.
Bunny and his family have traveled around the world for many years, buying diamonds, pearls, gold and precious gemstones for the family business. Bunny's son, Brian and wife, Peggy will continue to operate the family business, Newton's Jewelers.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Oake Pointe Assisted Living of Neosho and Avalon Hospice for their excellent care of Mr. Newton.
A memorial visitation is planned for Saturday from 3-4:00 p.m. at College Heights Christian Church.
A private family memorial service, with military honors, is being planned for Sunday with Rev. Gary Shaw and Rev. Brock Watson officiating. Music will be provided by longtime friend, Paul Thomas of Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Miami, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Ascent Recovery, P.O. Box 4368, Joplin, Missouri, 64803.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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