Cecil Lee Newton, Sr.

Cecil Lee Newton, Sr., age 97, of Copperas Cove passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2016 in Gatesville. Private family graveside services will be held at Pidcoke Cemetery. Cecil was born on January 19, 1919 in Pidcoke, Texas to the late W.I. Newton and Ella Swindall Newton. He grew up and attended school in Pidcoke and Gatesville, graduating from Gatesville High School in 1939. He married Estelle Lovejoy on July 20, 1940. He served in the US Army during WWII in the 84th Infantry Division in Germany in 1944 and 1945. He owned and operated a grocery store in Pidcoke for many years. He was a civil service employee at Fort Hood for 24 years, retiring in 1981. He enjoyed ranching and playing the fiddle. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Lynn Newton in 1970; five brothers and three sisters. Cecil is survived by his wife of 76 years, Sissy Newton; son, Cecil (Lee) Newton, Jr. and wife Tricia of Pidcoke; two grandsons, Col. Brandon Newton and wife, Lilla and Jeffery Newton and wife, Amy; three great-grandchildren, Molly, Jack and Alex Newton. Memorials may be made to Pidcoke Cemetery Assn., c/o Shirley Bartlett, 105 River Ridge Dr., Gatesville, TX 76528.