Newton A. Graves, Age: 93
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Aug 02, 1931---Nov 22, 2024

Newton A. Graves, 93, of Lenexa, Kansas passed away November 22, 2024 at Lakeview Village Skilled Care facility.  He was born August 2, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio to William C. and Margaret A. Sullivan Graves.

Newton attended high school at Fork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, Virginia.  He later attended Baylor University for his bachelor's degree, and then Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for a Master Of Theology degree.

Newton pastored at Wheelock Baptist Church, Wheelock, TX while at Baylor.  During seminary he preached at both First Baptist Church of Mason, OH and Eastwood Baptist Church of Eastwood, KY.  After seminary, his first calling was to the First Baptist Church of Dunedin, FL.

After he stepped down from the ministry, he first enjoyed working in clothing stores, then later transitioned his talents to the truck line industry.  His career included stints with Great Coastal Express, W.T. Brynes Express, and Inter State Motor freight system.   His last job in trucking was with Yellow Freight where he worked for 27 years, working his way up to Vice President of Sales.

Mr. Graves was active in transportation industry organizations, mostly in educational arenas.  He was an inspired speaker at the local, regional and national level.  He was a former member of Leawood Baptist Church, Hillcrest Covenant Church, and an active member with Lenexa Baptist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher and active with church leadership.

Newton was married to Harriet Bell who preceded him in death on June 21, 2021.  Newton was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Daniel Z. Graves and son, Garrick.  He is survived by 3 children, Beverly Polan, Janna Hardwicke, and Lisa Krizek.  

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00am Monday, November 25, 2024 at Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66219


Condolences

Gary Beggs Nov 23, 2024

Colleague at Yellow Freight ,Southlake ,Texas

"Neutron" Newton was a one-of-a-kind! I am confident he lived a fuller life than 99.9% of us and his best friend list was in the thousands. Rest in eternal peace, Newton.

Debbie Jackson Nov 23, 2024

Friend and coworker ,Leawood ,Kansas

I’m so sadden. Newton was definitely the friendliest man I ever met. I invited him to speak before the Executive Women International ladies and prion to the start of the meeting, I introduced him to several of the ladies and he included many of those conversations into his speech! Brilliant! I will definitely miss my friend.

John Dvorske Nov 23, 2024

Fellow Yellow Freiht Colleague ,Lawrence ,Kansas

Newt, you were an inspiration to me at Yellow for twenty-five years. Rest in Peace. Devo

OJ Simpson Nov 23, 2024

Friend at Yellow Freight System and Hillcrest Covenant Church ,Lake Quivira ,Kansas

Newt was a great mentor and friend. He always approached situations with a sense of optimism and humor. I learned from his example about how to deal with customers and difficult situations and how to live out your faith. Rest in peace, Newt, and give Harriett a hug from me.

Bill Schwar Nov 23, 2024

Co-worker ,Sun City West ,Arizona

Newt was first class guy who was always friendly and had something to say that kept things light and inspiring. I looked forward to hearing him speak each and every time. It was an honor to have known you- thanks for providing all the levity, and may you rest in peace.

Mike Regan Nov 24, 2024

Friend ,Hinsdale ,Illinois

In death it it is customary to offer condolences to the family members. I do that, but I also extend condolences to those who never got to know one of the finest, most classy gentlemen, to ever grace, the trucking industry. Newton knew Jesus, loved Harriet and was a wonderful friend and mentor

Dave Knisley Nov 24, 2024

Coworker Yellow Freight System ,Kansas City ,Missouri

What an honor to have known and worked with Newt, as we all called him. I got to make a couple of sales calls with him, watch him light up the room, and have the potential customers laughing during the entire call. I'm sure he's picked up where he left off, making the hereafter more enjoyable. RIP Newt, you're missed by many.

Rhonda Reinhardt Nov 25, 2024

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

As sad as it is to lose this amazing man my heart swells with joy that he is now with the Savior he loved and served so faithfully. Also, for him to be reunited with his beautiful wife Harriet who he treasured is something wonderful to think about. Newton was a wonderful teacher and an amazing storyteller. I miss sitting under his spiritual instruction in Sunday School. His heart for the Lord and for others was always obvious. His face alone was the definition of hospitality as his smile welcomed everyone into his presence. Heaven is richer and the earth a little poorer today. I can't make it to the funeral but, Newton, thank you for a life well lived. I'm sure you've heard the words "well done good and faithful servant".

Tricia and Doug Johnson Nov 25, 2024

Neighbors and Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We will sure miss your joyful spirit and smile Newton! Living next door to Newton and Harriet for over 30 years we have so many wonderful memories! Of course seeing Harriet in her beautiful gardens and Newton always with a smile. We enjoyed their Christmas Open house for many many years! Seeing them at Lenexa Baptist and admiring their unwavering faith and love of the Lord! You will be missed Newton, please say HI to Harriet and we’re so happy you’re free of pain and rejoicing with Jesus Doug will especially miss you and your bible study and breakfasts and many long conversations! RIP Love, Trish & Doug

Dick McEachen Nov 25, 2024

Friend - mostly golf at Indian Hills ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

We played together many times although I was never as good. He asked me to replace him as the IHCC club representative on the board of the Kansas City Senior Golfers Assn. He had served an unusual 2 years as the president of that Assn. I also recall that he had his Grandson from Norton Kansas play with us on several occasions. He collected used golf balls for handicap youth. He has been missed at the Vanguard breakfast Club. I am sorry I could not be at the memorial service

Bud Munson Nov 26, 2024

Yellow Technology Service - Yellow Freigh ,Leawood ,Kansas

Newton was "one of a kind"", both as a fellow worker and inspirational leader. I always enjoyed any opportunity to chat with Newton about all kinds of subjects...... May God continue to bless Newton as he finds that "no one had seen, nor heard, nor has it entered any human's mind the things that God has stored up for all true believers in God"....... in faith, Bud Munson

Ted Loar Dec 04, 2024

Yellow Frt Co-worker ,Springfield ,Missouri

Deeply saddened at the news of Newt's passing. He supported and inspired so many of us at Yellow. Always uplifting and always there when we needed help. Newt and Harriet were very special people and I am sure they are together now. Rest in peace.

Brian Parker Dec 05, 2024

Friend ,Newport ,Washington

I first met Newton when my grandma was in his Sunday School class. He always treated her with such care and respect, so when she spoke of me and my family's adventures overseas, he listened! He would always ask us to share about our work with several of his Bible study classes, he invested his time and resources to support us, and the best part was...I know he and Harriet prayed for us! My visits with him when I visited Kansas City were very much a highlight. He had so much wisdom and grace gained from experience, and SO MUCH ENERGY! I always told him, if I have even half as much energy as he does in my eighties, I will be very happy. :) If anyone hears "good and faithful servant" from Jesus at the pearly gates, I'm sure it's Newton. You were such an inspiration and encouragement to me and my family! Enter into your rest finally, my friend.

Services

Event:
Celebration of Life
Location:
Lenexa Baptist Church
Address:
15320 West 87th Street
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66219
Date:
Nov 25, 2024
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map:
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