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Remembering Bob
By Ken Davis
ROBERT EUGENE NEWELL
1929-2010
Bob Newell was a native Kansan born on March 11, 1929 and passed from this earthly life on Dec. 12, 2010. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. On completion of his military service, he enrolled at the University of Kansas and earned a degree in architecture. He was self-employed for many years in the Kansas City area, and finally opened an office in Lee’s Summit, MO where he worked and lived as well.
Bob signed his application for membership in Jack Ray Post 5789 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on January 15, 1980. At that time the Post was located in a two story storefront building built in 1881 and located in downtown Lee’s Summit.
As the town grew so did the VFW Post. By 1991, the need for a larger Post Home was obvious. Having been elected Commander of Post 5789 for the year of 1991-1992, Bob spearheaded the efforts to secure a new home for the VFW. At a special meeting of the Post held in August 1991, the members overwhelmingly voted to purchase the existing building at 329 SE Douglas Street and to transform it into a suitable site for our VFW. Once possession of the building was gained, gutting of the interior began, and through mostly sweat equity by the members, the building was ready for occupancy by April 1, 1992. Bob was not only instrumental in purchasing the building, but was also the architectural designer for the interior. From four bare walls to the finished building took only 90 days under the direct supervision of Bob Newell!
As the home of Post 5789 helped to increase our membership, Bob’s involvement in the organization increased as well. He served as District 5 Commander in 1995-1996, and three years later served as State Commander of Missouri in 1999-2000. Bob also served his Post as Quartermaster from 2005-2007, and was Assistant Quartermaster at the time of his death. He achieved All State and All American status as Post Commander in 1992.
He served for several years as a member of the Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation Board. He also served as a county committeeman for the Democrat Party. One of Bob’s best decisions was to marry his “child bride” Roberta, who was supportive of all of his endeavors. They owned farm land in their native Kansas that served as a retreat for them and their friends.
The members and friends of Bob Newell need only to look at the building he envisioned for our VFW Post to see his hand at work. The members are grateful for our fine facility, and grateful for knowing Bob who took such an interest in the organization and its members.
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