Kenneth Lee Newton, age 84, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021, at Clay County Hospital in Flora. Lee was a life-long farmer who loved what he did. He also enjoyed bird hunting, watching westerns, and college sports.
Funeral services celebrating Lee’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at the Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Reverend David McNabb officiating. A private family burial will be in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Xenia. Visitation will be held 12 noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at the funeral home before the service. In loving memory of Lee, memorials may be made to Xenia Fire Department or Clay County Hospital Endowment Foundation and will be accepted through the funeral home.
Lee is survived by his children: Mark (Jean) Newton, Kay Newton, Darryl (Kris) Newton; grandchildren: Erin (Jen) Newton, Jesse Cygan, Nicole Cygan, Ariana (Marco) Randall-Miranda, Anthony Randall, Levi Newton; great-grandchildren: Avery Newton, Hunter Wallace; siblings: Karen (Jim) Williams and Ardeth (Jim) Freeman; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Lee was born on May 27, 1937, at home, the son of William Thomas “Tommy” and Doris (Cantrell) Newton. He married Virginia Carol Anderson on February 23, 1958, and she preceded him in death on November 15, 2012. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers: John Thomas Newton and Don Newton, and a sister: Sharon Newton.
