Donald Lester Newell was born to Lester Newell and Marie Lauridsen Newell on May 29, 1937. He grew up on his parent's farm. Don attended most all of his school in Guthrie Center, Iowa. After high school, Don married his high school sweetheart, LaVone Conrad, whom he declared "the BEST cook in Guthrie County!" Don and LaVone had 4 children: two daughters, Roxanne and Carolyn, and two sons, Mark and Joel.
They did some farming in the early years but later moved to Ames. Don took a few courses at Iowa State University, then started working at the Ames Municipal Power Plant, and he worked there for 32 years before he retired.
Don and LaVone rode their Honda Goldwing all over the US. The couple were members of The Honda Group and the Retreads, going to many gatherings for both over the years. They traveled to Europe 4 times, going to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. They traveled on their own for 3 weeks each time, and they rented a bike just like theirs in Frankfurt, Germany.
Don and LaVone did everything together their entire married life. They took dance lessons multiple times and loved to dance whenever they had the chance. They would go to Lake Robbins Ballroom every week. The couple was part of The National Ballroom and Entertainment Association for many years.
Don and LaVone spent three months in the winter in warmer places; most of the time in Arizona. Roxanne always had many projects for her dad, especially after her husband Ken passed. They spent time with Mark and his family in Texas going and coming home from Arizona.
Don and LaVone also loved cruising, going on 8 cruises together. Spending time with friends and family was very important to Don. He was also a very meticulous woodworker. Donald enjoyed making furniture for his homes and for his children. Flower gardening was also very enjoyable for Don and LaVone, and together they belonged to the Gardeners of America Club. They had multiple gardening beds, and they contributed to the community beds at Northcrest.
Don and LaVone were faithful members at Bethel United Methodist Church, and then Ames First United Methodist Church. The couple moved to Northcrest Community in 2012 and enjoyed their life there.
Don is survived by his loving wife, LaVone Newell; his children, Mark Newell and Roxanne Lushbaugh; granddaughter, Monique (Jeb) Brotherton; and his great grandchildren, Lane, Dacie, Sally, and Lindley
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn; his son, Joel; son-in-law Ken Lushbaugh; and his parents.
