John Newman, age 88, of Quincy, passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 7:45 pm while working on his family farm.
John was born January 14, 1933 in Rural Adams County, IL the son of Harrington and Kathryn Mercer Newman. He married Doris Pearl Cutforth on December 22, 1955 in Pleasant View Baptist Church. John and Doris had just celebrated their 65 wedding anniversary last year. For 40 years they were part of their original marriage encounter group that met on a monthly basis. Doris survives.
John was a 1951 graduate of Liberty High School. He served in the United States Navy aboard the destroyer USS Massey. While John was in the Navy, he learned HVAC service and repair. After his honorable discharge, John returned to the States where he began his career in HVAC. He worked for a number of companies before finally settling in at Peters Heating and AC, from where he retired after 25 years.
John and Doris traveled all over the United States in their RV, and they spent 22 winters at the Casa del Valle RV Resort in South Texas. John also loved horses, and he rode trails in Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Arizona. John especially looked forward to his annual rides with the Magnificent Seven in Colorado. John was also an Illinois Ridge Rider for the last 46 years, and he intended to ride again this upcoming October. Most of all, John loved riding the trails with his family on the farm.
John was a Mason, and he was a member of the Payson Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of Quincy Consistory, High Twelve, Ansar Shrine, Belgian Hitch, Quincy Shrine Club, and Nomad Shrine Club in Pharr, TX. While in Texas, John made many trips transferring children in a hospital van to the Shriners' Hospital for Children in Houston.
John was also a member of the Adams County Farm Bureau, Eagles Club, the Liberty American Legion, the NRA, and the Illinois Rifle Association.
John's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to him, and he made a point of attending all of their sports activities. John also enjoyed baseball, and he was a life-long fan of the Chicago Cubs.
If anyone ever asked John how he was, he would reply, "Almost perfect...There's only one perfect one." Happy trails, John.
In addition to his wife, survivors include: his son, Jay (Karla) Newman of Quincy; his son-in-law, Ed Sadberry of Luther, OK; five grandchildren: Kaly (Josh) Mathis of Luther, OK; Beau (Laura) Sadberry of DeKalb, IL; Chet Sadberry of Newalla, OK; Don Krutmeier of Quincy; and Jessica (Adam) Booth of Quincy; two step grandchildren: Laura (Neal Pleskunas) Goehl of Quincy and Amanda (Gerald Carter) Goehl of Port St. Lucie, FL; 11 great-grandchildren: Brynn and Carter Krutmeier; Rian, Jaxson, and Jake Moore; Maverick, Jolene, and Lucky Grace Mathis; Wren and Eddie Le Sadberry; and Hudson Sadberry; two step great-grandchildren: Justyn Carter and Graham Pleskunas; his brother-in-law, Richard (Mary) Cutforth of Valdasta, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Terrie Sadberry; his daughter-in-law, Beth Newman; his granddaughter, Amanda Krutmeier; two brothers, Mercer and Merwyn Newman; a sister, Patricia Balzer; and his beloved mule, Marley.
Services: John was cremated as per his wishes. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospitals or The Crossing or a charity of the donor's choice. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
William “Bill” & Bonnie Johnson wrote on Aug 31, 2021:
"Doris, so sorry for your loss of John. I remember the various times seeing John when you and I worked together and we had gatherings that included spouses. I pray that Our Lord will be with you and will guide you and your family through your grief in the coming days, weeks, months and years. God Bless!
"
Herbert & Theressa Eidson wrote on Aug 29, 2021:
"So sorry to hear of John's passing. We will always remember the good times we shared at Casa Del Valle. He will never be forgotten. May God bless you at this difficult time."
Connie M.Mowen wrote on Aug 28, 2021:
"So sorry to hear of John's passing. Our sympathy to Doris and family. Sounds like John lived life fully to the end. My son Doug was a member of Belgian Hitch during time John was involved.
Connie M. Mowen"
Hal Koenig wrote on Aug 27, 2021:
"Great Guy....Great Times.... Always fun to be around and share stories with! Hal, Jane, Kim and Will , Kyle"