He graduated from Welsh High School, retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years of service, served with the AAF Ground Forces in England, Scotland, France, Germany, and Belgium. He fought in the Campaigns of Central Europe and the Rhineland, and has the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster, the European Theater Ribbon with two bronze Campaign Stars, the Victory and Good Conduct Medals, and the American Defense Service Ribbon. He served as golf course superintendent at Shaw AFB in Sumter, S.C. and England AFB in Alexandria, LA. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He was a very proud man and a devoted husband, loving Daddy, and caring Grandpa.
Survivors include his daughter, Patricia Marie "Pat" Berlinger Newton and husband, Mitchell of Fayetteville, AR; sister, Jean Ann Merriman of Canyon Lake, TX; grandchildren, Mitchell O. "Trey" Newton III and wife, Jennifer of Valrico, FL, Robert "Rob" Berlinger Newton and wife, Jody of Lake Charles, LA, Stephanie Marie Shrewsbury of Fulton, MO; great grandchildren, Jesse Claire Newton, Valrico, FL, Mitchell O. "Dru" Newton IV of Valrico, FL, Robert Berlinger Newton, Jr. "Robbie" of Lake Charles, LA, Kathleen Kennedy Newton "Katie" of Lake Charles, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Annie Mae Berlinger; his wife, Willa Marie “Billy” Berlinger; his daughter, Janet Shrewsbury; sister, Joyce Johnson and a brother, Jake Berlinger.
His funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Rev. Bruce Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh 5-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. til time of service. Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Friday evening. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixonfuneralhomes.com.
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