Newton Edward Ward

Newton Edward Ward Jr. passed away peacefully on January 26th at the age of 91. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 10, 1934, to Laura and Edward Ward. Newton spent his early years in Fort Worth before leaving for college at the University of Texas, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. During those years, his parents moved to Abilene, Texas, and it was there, while visiting home from school, that Newton met the love of his life, Twila Joy Sturdivant.

Newton and Twila were married on August 31, 1957. Shortly after their wedding, they drove to Pasadena, Texas, where Newton had accepted a position with Lubrizol Corporation. Before beginning his career, however, Newton answered a call to serve and joined the United States Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, California, where their first son, Alan, was born on August 1, 1959.

Following his military service, Newton and Twila returned to Pasadena, Texas, where he began his long and distinguished career with Lubrizol. Their second son, Brook, was born on June 7, 1962. During their years in Pasadena, Newton and Twila were active members of Burke Road Church of Christ, where Newton served faithfully as both a Deacon and later an Elder.

In 1982, Newton’s career took the family to Mentor, Ohio, following a job transfer to Cleveland. He and Twila lived there for fourteen years before returning to the Houston area in 1996, settling in Clear Lake City. They joyfully reconnected with their Burke Road church family and remained active members. Newton retired from Lubrizol after more than forty years of dedicated service.

In retirement, Newton and Twila embraced life fully traveling, golfing, and spending cherished time with family and friends. After Twila’s passing in 2008, Newton continued to live with purpose and gratitude, remaining active in church life as a member of Parkgate Community Church.

In September 2023, Newton moved to Clearwater Assisted Living in Houston to be closer to his son and family, where he continued to share his steady presence, quiet wisdom, and warm spirit.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to The One You Love for the compassionate, 24-hour care they provided Newton for the past year. We are especially thankful for Rosalee, Josue, Lam and Deya, whose kindness, gentleness, and presence brought comfort, dignity, and peace to both Newton and those who loved him.

Newton was preceded in death by his beloved wife Twila; his parents, Ed and Laura Ward; his in-laws, Juanita and Oren Sturdivant; and his brother-in-law Darrell Sturdivant and his wife Jeanette.

He is survived by his sons, Alan and Brook; their spouses, Sharon and Jason; his grandchildren, Joel and his wife Adrian, Kris, Holly and her husband Eric, Parker, and Carson; and his great-grandchildren, Anderson, Aislyn, Harvey, Benelli, and Kimber.

A memorial service will be held at Parkgate Community Church on Saturday, February 7th at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Newton’s memory may be made to Parkgate Community Church, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, or a charity of your choice.