Kenneth Newberry

Kenneth Newberry, 91, a lifelong resident of Rochester, TX, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at his home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 17, 2017 at the First Baptist Church, Rochester with Mr. Paul Leonard officiating. Burial will follow services at the Rochester Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Rochester. A visitation is planned from 6:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2017, at the funeral home, 200 S. Lincoln Ave., Rochester, TX.

Kenneth was born July 1, 1925 in Rochester to Eunice Delia (Cummings) and Horace Grady Newberry. Kenneth was a decorated soldier in the U.S. Army during WWII, earning the Eame Campaign Medal with 4 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star, and a WWII Victory Medal; he was a Technical Sergeant in the 94th Infantry Company G, 301st Infantry. He married Geraldine Russell Newberry on July 16, 1949, in Rochester at the Methodist Church Parsonage. After serving his country, he trained as a mechanic for John Deere and worked in Rochester and Haskell for 20 years. He later worked for Penman Propane until his retirement. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #1013 and served on the Haskell Soil and Water Conservation district board for 19 years. He was a devoted father and husband, he loved farming, and was always a steward of conservation.

He is survived by his wife Geraldine Newberry of Rochester; one son, Mike Newberry and wife Diane of Lake Dallas; granddaughter, Lynn Cobb and husband Danny of Flower Mound; grandson, Kenn Newberry and wife Wendi of Rochester; great grandchildren, Wrett, Anthony, Isabel, Tyler, Ashley, Katie, and Tyler.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and Grady Newberry; three brothers; and two sisters.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.