John Earl Newberry
John Earl Newberry, 77, died March 10, 2010, from cancer at his home in the Marble Falls area.
He was born March 4, 1933, to Earl and Verl Atteberry Newberry, who were longtime residents of Harmon County, Okla.
He was raised in the Shrewder community on the family farm and graduated from Gould High School in 1951.
He received a bachelor’s degree in poultry management and a commission in the Air Force through ROTC from Oklahoma State University in 1955. He flew multi-engine aircraft, performing reconnaissance and supply missions in the United States, Japan and Vietnam. He loved planes from an early age and built many models, culminating in a four-engine Constellation aircraft that was widely admired.
He served 10 years in the Air Force and retired as a captain.
He continued to own and fly airplanes most of his life. He was engaged in many business pursuits, including house construction; subdivision development; a music and dance club; farm and ranch ownership; emu breeding; and a very successful Amway business.
He traveled across the U.S. in his motor homes, including one which was a converted bus, for more than 30 years. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and had an exceptional mechanical aptitude that he used throughout his life to repair and build many items.
He was married to Wanda Gray in 1952, and they were married for 54 years before her death in 2006. They had four children, Judy, David, Russell and Robert; five grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
He is survived by sons David and wife Lisa, and Russell; his grandchildren; his great-grandchildren; and brothers Max and Joe Newberry.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373.