Robert R. Newell's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Robert R. Newell, age 87 of Charleston, entered his Heavenly Home on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Pastor Tom Skinner officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral chapel for one hour prior to the services on Thursday. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Bob was born on April 6, 1927 in Charleston, Illinois, one of five sons born to the late Ray and Florence (Cooper) Newell. He married Jacqueline Lang on August 10, 1946 and for 68 years they have shared a loving and devoted marriage and friendship. In addition to his wife Jackie, he is survived by their two sons: Tim Newell and wife Susie of Charleston along with their children, Bob (Jamie) Newell of Charleston, Andy (Jamie) Newell of Terre Haute, Indiana and Sara (Cole) Namken of Decatur, Illinois; and Jerry Newell of Charleston and his children, Bradley (Elizabeth) Newell of Bloomington, Indiana and Patrick Newell and Eric Newell both of Schererville, Indiana; three great-grandchildren, Teigan Newell, Jane Namken and Alexander Newell; a brother, Larry Newell and wife Sally of Tolono, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Barbara Newell of Westfield, Illinois along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Donnie, Dale and Dick Newell. For many years Bob was employed as Part's Manager for several local dealerships including Zimmerman's Chevrolet and Lindley Chevrolet in Charleston; and Bob Peters Ford and Rasmussen Chevrolet in Mattoon. During those years he received many awards from the Chevrolet Motor Division for outstanding sales. He later became Founder, Co-Owner and President of Rapid Auto Parts located on North Fifth Street in Charleston. He was a past member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388 and the Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623. Bob was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose love and devotion for his family was paramount. His hobbies and interests were family oriented and many fond memories were created while boating on the lake, camping at the various campgrounds, hunting or fishing at those favorite spots, or on the dance floor with his beloved dance partner, Jackie. He was pretty good at regaling family and friends with his "down-on-the-farm stories" which included the antics of growing up in the country with four brothers. For many years Bob and Jackie spent the colder months enjoying the warm Florida sun with other snowbirds in the Ft. Myers Beach and Sebring areas. Bob will always be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion for Jackie, a father who was a respected role model for his sons, and a grandfather who cherished time spent with his grandchildren and their families. He enriched the lives of his family and friends, leaving them with many wonderful memories to cherish.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?