Kenneth R. “Ken” Newell, age 74, of Fenton, formerly of Waterford, died September 27, 2018. Ken was born on March 3, 1944 in Detroit, son of the late Reginald and Lucille Shaver. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Drusilla Newell, whom he married on November 17, 1967; his children Kimberley (Eric) Bruce and Christopher Newell; grandchildren Peyton Elizabeth Newell, Dominick Joseph Bruce, Emily Sophia Bruce, Jonathan Douglas Bruce. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Ken was preceded in death by his sisters Marilyn Morrison and Wanita Durbin. Ken graduated from St. Benedicts School in 1962 and attended Ferris State University. He served in the U.S. Army and the Michigan National Guard. He was a longtime office manager and salesman for Goodyear Tire and Rubber, and retired in 2006 as an office manager with Unisource. He was an avid bowler and bowled for many years on Waterford leagues. However, coaching baseball was his passion, he was a longtime coach in the Waterford Coaches Association as well as Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School. He coached teams from elementary through high school, including teams sponsored by his good friend at Bud’s Pro Shop. Ken lived life to impact others and was the consummate coach. He will be greatly missed. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2018 at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, 5481 Dixie Hwy, Waterford, MI. Fr. Scott Thibodeau officiating. Interment will be private at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery. Ken will lie in state at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Mass. The family will also receive friends Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Family Funeral Care, 2904 Orchard Lake Road, Keego Harbor. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes www.jdrf.org.
