Bonham, Texas -- Funeral services for Max Leslie Newton, 89, of Bonham, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2013 in Wise Funeral Home Chapel. Chaplain Jerry Newton and Rev. Ronnie Newton will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in Moores Chapel Cemetery. Max passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013 at the Dallas VA hospital after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

 

Max Leslie Newton came to life November 22, 1923 in Bonham, Texas, the son of Samuel Marion Newton and Lillian Reba Wright Newton. He grew to his maturity in their humble South Bonham surroundings until he joined the U. S. Army. Max served in World War II in the European Theater and was discharged in 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. When he returned home from the war, he met the love of his life, Lily Mae Sinor. They were married on July 10, 1947. Together, they made their home in Bonham and contributed to the baby boom with 3 children. Max is survived by his wife of 66 years, a son, Samuel Leslie Newton of Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham, and daughters Sandra Newton Hall and husband, Kinneth of Wylie Texas, and Sharon Maxine Newton Dearing and husband Edward C. Dearing of Greeley, CO.

Max was blessed with 4 granddaughters, Christy Merrell Mercado and husband, Pedro of San Antonio, TX, Rebecca Merrell Jones and husband, Calvin of Garland, TX, Karen Jo Newton Stanley and husband, Michael of Sherman, TX, Lisa Gayle Lamberson Steward and Jimmy Robinson. His blessings increased with 11 great grandchildren, Zachary Putman, Tremaine Howard, Tearony Howard, John Jones, Gage Jones, Tmyra Steward, Tristin Steward, Hannah Osborne, Harley Mae Stanley, Sofia Mercado, and Marcus Mercado. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews that he loved. Max was preceded in death by a number of brothers and sisters.

 

Max was of the Baptist faith and really enjoyed fellowshipping with his family. His biggest passion in life was his artwork. After retiring from DeRose Industries, Max put his energies into his art projects. He enjoyed woodworking, painting and creating sculpture molds. He had a little shop where he drew out his designs and cut or carve them into the finished product. Max and his wife Lily ran a small craft shop out of their home. When his creations needed painting or sewing, she finished them out. They were a great team.

Pallbearers will be Calvin Jones, John Jones, Pedro Mercado, Tremaine Howard, Jimmy Robinson and Zachary Putman.

 

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of the American Cancer Society.

 

The family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday night. Online guest register www.wisefuneralhome.com