Major Bruce L. Newby, US Army, Retired

With great sadness, the family of Bruce Newby announces his passing on February 17, 2026, at age 79. Bruce was born in Topeka, Kansas to Robert and Helen Newby. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas attending Potwin Grade School. His family moved to Kansas City, Kansas attending Lindbergh Grade School, Coronado Junior High School and was a scholar at Washington High School.

Bruce attended the University of Kansas before receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. In 1970, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United Army Infantry. At Fort Benning, GA, he earned his stripes through the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, and the prestigious Ranger School. Bruce's life was deeply shaped by his upbring, his faith and his years at West Point of integrity, discipline, compassion and service - a man who treated others with respect and led with a quiet, steady hand. He exemplified the Academy's values of Duty, Honor, Country. He also embodied the Cadet Honor Code:"A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do." Known for his fairness, humility and unwavering moral center, Bruce served as a superb model to the soldiers he led.

"His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the colleagues he inspired and the countless lives he touched world-wide.

Over the next twenty years, his assignments lead him from Fort Riley, KS to Thailand, twice to the Pentagon, Korea and Hawaii. After his military career, Bruce taught Criminal Justice in Hawaii and later at the Kansas City, Kansas Community College. He also worked as a Senior Civil Engineer for Homeland Security projects for URS Corp, where he worked on possible security projects for the construction on the World Trade Center projects.

In 2006, Bruce was appointed Wyandotte County Election Commissioner by The Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, Kris Kobach and later Scott Schwab. His principles, leadership earned the gratitude of state and local leaders as well as the trust of the community he served.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Turner Newby; his treasured daughter, Brooke; his siblings, Dick Newby, Larry Newby, and sister Shari Clark; and his beloved dog, Phoebe and granddog, Sydney. He also leaves his cherished honorary daughter Ashley Helstrong and grandson, Lucas Helstrong. Preceded in death were his parents Bob & Helen Newby, as well as brothers Craig and Bob Newby.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the colleagues he inspired and the countless lives he touched world-wide.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Saving Sight, a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing lives by restoring sight. Founded in 1960 as an eye bank in central Missouri, Saving Sight now serves as one of the nation’s leading eye banks and works closely with the University of Kansas Hospital.

Visitation will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112, on February 27, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 pm and may be viewed via livestream at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26024756860214. Final resting place to follow the service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.