Obituary: Newell, Kenneth W.
Age 69
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Hutsell) Newell, son Ian (wife Paula) Newell, daughter Michelle Cravens, and grandchildren, Danielle and Joey.
Ken’s father, SSgt.
Lester Newell, died in World War II, two months before Ken was born and is buried in the military cemetery in Florence, Italy.
His mother, Evelyn Shaffer, passed away in March of 2011.
Ken was a dedicated military man and a man of honor.
He served in the United States Air Force as a Fire Protection Specialist, Strategic Aircraft Maintenance Technician on B-52’s and Visual Information Media Technician.
He was stationed in many states over the 22 years he served his country, but returned to Fairchild Air Force Base for his final tour.
While in the Air Force, Ken received the following honors: Air Force Commendation Medal; Small Arms Expert Rifle; NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon; Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four bronze oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal; Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon; Air Force Training Ribbon; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with a silver oak leaf cluster.
Ken requested that Cindy take a few of his ashes to Florence American Military Cemetery and sprinkle them on his father’s grave.
That was his final wish.
After Ken retired from the military in 1987, he attended SCC’s culinary program and received his degree.
Ken was well known for his “Christmas goodies” and surprised us all every year with a new cookie.
Ken also worked for Inland Audio Visual for seven years, washed windows with Dick Hutsell for several years and managed the office of the Sons of Norway for a few years, finally retiring when he was 65.
He then joined the YMCA and went to the gym faithfully every day.
Ken is also survived by his “extended YMCA family”.
He was known there for his “bad joke telling” and “other humorous” ways.
He made life-long friends there and that was the highlight of his day.
The last few years he was also a “process server” for the Gobel Law Office.
Ken and his wife, Cindy, loved cruising and seeing the different countries.
Ken was always meeting new people on their cruises and never met a stranger.
Ken loved cars, trying new restaurants, and cooking.
He and Cindy went to MANY car shows.
He cooked for all the “Hutsell” family get-togethers and everyone loved his food, especially his “Calico Beans”.
Ken was embraced by the Hutsell’s and welcomed into the family.
Dick and Amy Hutsell were second parents to him.
His wife, Cindy, will remember him always for his loving nature and caring ways.
A memorial service will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 1 pm.
A graveside service will be held at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 3 pm.