Kenneth E. Newton

Kenneth E. Newton, 79, of Chatham, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at St. Johns Hospital, with family by his side. He was born October 29, 1937, in Mansfield, MO. He was preceded in death by his mother, Blanche Catherine Brasher Newton and his uncle, Albert Brasher who helped raise him. He married Neta Maxine Caby April 23, 1960, and she preceded him in death March 16, 2011. He served his country in the US Army Reserve, and was discharged with a rank of Sergeant in 1966. Ken graduated from Central Senior High School in Springfield, MO in 1955. He graduated from Finlay Engineering College in Kansas City, MO with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1958. He was a member of the IAPA (Illinois Asphalt Pavers Association) serving as its president in 1998. He was also a member of the National APA and a trustee of Operating Engineers Local #965 from March 1988 to August 1998. He began his career in 1959 at IDOT; in 1969, he went to work for Sankey Brothers Construction Company, later becoming the majority owner (Sankey Construction). Kenneth and his late wife were active members of South Side Christian Church, where they were one of the first co-chairs of the Missions committee, serving for 34 years. They were also seasonal members of Anchor Christian Church in Bonita Springs, FL. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Pam (Chris) Jouett of Sherman and Tammy (Ron) Wright of Springfield; grandchildren, Charlie (Tiffany) Jouett, Josh (fiance Brooke Valenti), Cabriel Jouett, Mandy (Ben) Hobbs and Sarah Wright; great grandchildren Sophia and Liam Jouett; sister, Dorothy Marion of Claremore, OK; sister-in-law, Virginia Burke of Kankakee, IL; several nieces and nephews. Ken was a family man and enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their various activities; they were a large part of his life. His family will greet friends from 4pm-7pm, Thursday, August 10, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham and from 1pm until the time of the funeral service at 2pm, Friday, August 11, at South Side Christian Church, 2600 South MacArthur Boulevard, Springfield, IL, 62704 with Pastor Brooks Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors. Memorial Contributions may be made to South Side Christian Church or Inner-City Mission, 714 North 7th Street, Springfield, IL, 62702. Please visit www.staabpolk.com to offer your condolences.