Peter Wesley Newton passed away suddenly on Sunday morning October 1, 2023 with Carol, the love of his life, by his side. He was 68 years old. Pete is survived by Carol Manning Newton, his wife of 44 years; son Greyson Manning Newton; two grandchildren, Riley (8) and Jackson (6); and son Garrett Charles Newton, spouse Leslie Carter. He is also survived by his brother Charles Newton, spouse Donna Newton, of South Carolina; sister Elaine Miller, spouse Randy Miller, of Northwest Arkansas; brother Bruce Newton of Florida; sister Robin Bizjack, spouse Steve Bizjack, of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Clara Arnet Newton, and father, Charles B Newton, of Arkansas.
Pete was born in Aurora, Colorado and spent most of his childhood in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, and then Louisiana State University with a Master of Landscape Architecture. Pete and Carol settled in Baton Rouge following their graduations from LSU.
Pete was a skilled plantsman and talented landscape architect. He found fulfillment in helping others realize the potential and beauty of the outdoors. In 1990 he founded Newton Landscape Group (NLG), a design-build landscape architecture firm in Baton Rouge with a distinctive pineapple logo, a symbol of welcomeness and hospitality. Everyone who knew him knew of his unmatched work ethic. He was deeply respected by his peers and collaborators, dozens of past and present employees at NLG, and hundreds of clients throughout the Baton Rouge area.
Pete was generous with his time and contributed to numerous professional organizations including Hilltop Arboretum and the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association (LNLA). He was also active within his church community, Our Lady of Mercy.
Pete had a wonderful sense of humor and will be remembered by all for his fun-loving nature with a joke for every occasion. His favorite place in the world was on a boat with a grandkid on his lap. Pete was a strong and driven individual who spent his life making the world a more beautiful place. He was loved and will be dearly missed.
Services will be held on Monday, October 9 at Our Lady of Mercy. Visitation will be held 9:00-10:30am, with mass at 10:30 followed by inurnment. Donations may be made in Pete’s honor to Hilltop Arboretum memorial fund or Our Lady of Mercy School annual appeal in his name.
