Bernard "Gene" Newton, 82, of Kirksville, Missouri passed away Friday (May 27, 2016) at his home.

The son of John Raymond and Neva Lorraine (Treasure) Newton, he was born January 29, 1934 in Kirksville, Missouri. On May 5, 1956 in Picher, Oklahoma, Gene was united in marriage to Mary "Sue" Young.

Gene is survived by his wife Sue of the home; one son, Jim Newton of Olathe, Kansas; one daughter, Joni Crouse and husband Craig of Kirksville; one sister, Joan Thomasson of Liberty, Missouri; four grandchildren, Cody Eitel and wife Shelby, Chris Eitel, Alexis Newton, and Nick Newton; two step-grandchildren, Shannon Sehnert and Robert Crouse; one step-great granddaughter, Landyn Rose Sehnert; and very special extended family, Jim and Pat Brady and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Reta and Howard Yarbrough.

Gene graduated from Kirksville R-III High School with the Class of 1953. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force for twenty years from 1954 to 1974. After retiring from the Air Force, Gene moved back to Kirksville where he lived for the rest of his life.

Gene loved his kids and grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking. Gene was a member of the VFW and the Air Force Sergeants' Association.

It was Gene's wish to be cremated, and a graveside service with military rites will be held Tuesday (May 31, 2016) at 1:30 p.m. in the Highland Park Cemetery in Kirksville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.