Robert L. Newton, 84, of rural Keokuk, IA died Thursday, December 14, 2006 at his home. He was born on July 27, 1922 in Green City, MO the youngest son of Earl Orange and Margaret Jane Wernitch Newton. Robert was a Veteran of the United Sates Navy and served as a pilot for three years during WW II and two years during the Korean Conflict. He remained in the active Reserve for a combined total of twenty two years of service and retired with the rank of Navy Reserve Commander. While in the Navy, Mr. Newton met and married Jeanne Lenore Steckel of Aurora, IL on June 2, 1945. She preceded him in death on February 1, 1992. In 1965, Robert moved to Keokuk, IA with his family where he went to work at General Mills/Henkel Corporation as their head of maintenance until his retirement in 1984. After the death of his wife, Bob alternated his time between his residences in Keokuk and Harlingen, TX. He spent his time doing volunteer work for Kiwanis, the George M. Verity Riverboat Museum in Keokuk, IA and the Texas Air Museum in Rio Hondo, TX. For his volunteer work, Mr. Newton was nominated as the "Kiwanian of the Month" on numerous occasions and was also selected by the Daily Gate City to be listed in their next issue of "People Who Make A Difference" magazine. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, IA, the Keokuk Lodge #29 AF & AM and the Keokuk Kiwanis Club. He is survived by his two children, Diane Newton of Denver, CO and Richard Newton of Guilford, CT. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Edward. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, IA with Reverend Emmanuel Dass and Reverend Bill Olmsted officiating. Burial with military rites will be held in the Keokuk National Cemetery. Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Monday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with the family meeting with friends from 6 – 8 p.m. A Masonic Memorial service will be held at 7:30 P.M. Monday evening. Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, IA.