Arthur Ray Newell, 88, of Bonnie, passed away at 4:08 p.m. Sunday Dec. 9, 2012, at his home in Bonnie.

He was born Thursday, Jan. 23, 1924, in Waltonville, to Oscar and Edna J. (Shurtz) Newell.

He married Doris E. Sledge on April 15, 1944, in Tyler, Texas.

Arthur was a farmer and avid outdoorsman.

He served our country in the United States Army from Jan. 5, 1944, to Jan. 27, 1946, as a staff sargeant in the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. During his service, Arthur was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Battle Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, a Combat Infantry Badge, and a medal from the French Government. He was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9153 of Waltonville, as well as a member of the AMVETS Post #148 of Waltonville, and the 29th Infantry Association Post #2 in Florida.

He was a member of New Hope Freewill Baptist Church in Ina.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Doris E. Newell of Bonnie; a son, Eddie Ray Newell and wife Rhonda of Bonnie; a daughter, Nancy Newell of Shawneetown; four grandchildren, Jason E. Newell and wife Stacy of Bonnie, Jennifer Schrimpf and husband Matt of Alton, Brooke Damm and husband Lance of Omaha; Bethany Nelson and husband Jared of Altamont; a sister, Nina Lewis of Mt. Vernon; and 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. His parents; two brothers, Fred and Glenn Newell; and one sister, Sadie Dare, preceded him in death.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with the Revs. Jason E. Newell and Raymond Capps officiating. Interment will follow at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Waltonville, with full military honors accorded by the Mt. Vernon Legion Post #141 at the cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.For those who wish, memorials may be given to the Knob Prairie Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Bos 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information and to send condolences.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: December 2012
Submitted by: Rosemary Newell Atkins