Ronald Gene Newlander Sr.

Ronald Gene Newlander, Sr., 80, of Lexington, South Carolina passed away in Warriors Walk Hospice at the VA Hospital on Thursday, February 27, 2025. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 28, 1945 to the late Ollie Mae Mitchell and Herbert Newlander.

Ronald joined in the US Army in 1964 and was a Crew Chief on helicopters during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal, Aircraft Crewman Medal and Air Medal with 6th Oak Leaf; for his heroism during the La Drang Battles.

He then pursued a career with the Denver Fire House in Denver, Colorado beginning in 1971 and retiring in 2001. Ronald was a lifetime active member of the VFW since 2005.

Ron loved fishing, Denver Broncos, NASCAR, and anything to do with helping fellow veterans.

Ron was an understanding, always loving man especially to his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline M. Newlander; children, Stephanie Mackelburger (Mike) and Ron Newlander, Jr. (Janet); stepchildren, Christina Lassman, Michelle Bernard (J.C.), and Nicole Johnson (Johnny); along with 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, and 11 step-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 9th at VFW Post 8738, 424 Cedarcrest Dr, Lexington, SC 29073.

A graveside service will be held with military honors on June 20, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236. A Celebration of Life will be also be held from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on June 21, 2025 at Downhill Brewing-Greenwood Village, 9672 E Arapahoe Rd, Greenwood Village, CO 80112.