Roddie Gene Newton

WEST POINT-Roddie G. Newton died Tuesday, March 23, 2010, in Ogden at the age of 78. He was born August 25, 1931, in Meridian, Idaho to Johnnie and Edith Davis Newton.

Rod enlisted in the Air Force on February 15, 1949, and went into the aviation field, later a flight mechanic and then flight engineer compiling 5,808 flying hours. He advanced to chief of standardization for all enlisted flyers at the 2849th ABW at Hill AFB, Utah.

Flying was the love of Rod's life and perfection was the name of the game. He should have been married to the aircraft he flew.

Rod was married to Hazel Finch in July 1952 in Boise, Idaho. They had six children then divorced in January 1966. He then married Carol Nicol Straw in December 1968. They were divorced in April 2000.

He was blessed with two stepsons and one stepdaughter from this marriage which became his family. He became a good friend and companion to Linda Emmett.

Surviving are sons Steve Newton, Randy Straw, Craig Newton, Tod Straw, Paul Newton, and Scott Newton; daughters Laurie Lunda-Hendry, Janet Silvia, and Cheryl Cross; 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Cremation is under the direction of Aaron's Mortuary.

Condolences may be sent to the family at aaronsmortuary.com