LaCont "Connie" Newby

LaCont “Connie” Newby was born April 16, 1930 in Alberta Canada to parents Henry Lenoix and Ida Rose (Layton) Newby and entered into eternal rest on October 29, 2015 in Kaufman, Texas at the age of 85. Connie as he was known by all loved the Texas Rangers, his animals, reading Louis L’Amour novels, and Rodeoing. His family and his life’s work were the most special things in his life. Connie was a hat shaper by trade, working with Longhorn Ranchwear from the day it opened till the day it closed; he shaped western hats for presidents and celebrities. He also taught the factory employees at the Resistol Hat Factory how to shape hats. Connie had an article written about him in D Magazine that proclaimed him to be the best hat shaper in the southwest. He served our country in the United States Army. Connie was a man who loved to tell jokes and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He was a loving caring man who will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.

Connie was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters: Nedra, Theda, Enid and Afton, a brother Jimmy, and good friend, Derrell Duncan.

He is survived by his friend and companion of 28 years, Becky of Kemp, daughter Kelly Newby Gattis of Roswell, New Mexico, sons: Russell of Salt Lake City, Phil and Teresa of Forney, sister Persia Gibb of Chiefton, FL, eight grandchildren: Chandra, Graham, Holly, Nichollette, Phil Jr., Jordan, Dalton, Ashley, numerous great-grandchildren, other family and many loving friends.