Robert "Bob" William Newton, Age: 83
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Jul 17, 1940---Jun 07, 2024

Robert “Bob” William Newton, age 83, of Stanley, Kansas, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 7th, 2024, at The Piper Assisted Living Facility of KC, KS.

 

Bob was born in Concordia, Kansas, on July 17th, 1940, to Kenneth and Mabel (Roberts) Newton. He grew up in Tecumseh, Kansas, and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1958. Bob completed a degree in Mathematics at Washburn University. Bob had a successful career in the insurance business and later founded Insurance Resources Corporation in Kansas City. Later, in Texas, he was also a partner of Aggressive Insurance Services, part of the Celeste Holdings Insurance Group. During his many years within the insurance business, Bob Newton played a key role as a strong leader, supporter of education and development in the industry, and inspiration to all who worked for and with him.  

 

Bob loved playing semi-professional sand volleyball and basketball, hosting family gatherings, traveling, wine tasting, and collecting. However, his main passion was driving, racing, and restoring Porsches. In the 1960s, he purchased a 1956 Speedster (better known as The First Born). This marked the beginning of his journey as a collector and lover of classic cars. In the early 2000s, his passion became a hobby business by creating Image Motorsports, LLC. Bob’s cars were displayed at countless car shows across the United States - including shows at Amelia Island, Florida, and Monterey, California. Bob’s cars have been featured in magazines, used as a painting reference, and were once photographed for a Hallmark project. He attained numerous awards and recognitions for his auto restoration work and perfection to the classic details that Porsche vehicles stand for. Bob continued to enjoy his passion until his death and was recently awarded the 55-year Porsche Club of America (PCA) member recognition. 

 

Bob is survived by his children Gretchen (Scott) Harbour of Tonganoxie, KS; Haig (Lindsay) Newton of Edina, MN; and his grandchildren: Mary, Thomas, and Rachel Harbour; Kai and Reese Newton. He is also survived by his siblings Pat (Danny) Swearingen of Topeka, KS, Linda (Gary) Gilbert of Topeka, KS, and Dennis (Cindy) Newton of Gardner, KS. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mabel (Roberts) Newton, and siblings, Ronald Lee (1938) and Elizabeth Kay (1946). 

 

The family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Monday, June 17th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Deer Ridge Estates, 21107 Donahoo Rd, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the following: The Piper Assisted Living Attention Care Staff Donation, 2300 N 113th Terrace, Kansas City, KS 6610, or Faith Home Health Attention Care Staff Donation, 11827 W. 112th St. Suite 100, Overland Park, KS 66210.


Condolences

Miguel Zarzosa Jun 10, 2024

Friend of the family ,Lumberton ,Texas

Truly a celebration of a life well lived. I had the fortune to meet Bob in the late 80s while Haig played in our soccer team. While having Haig as a player was an asset, meeting Gretchen was enlightening. Those two were a reflexion of Bob's character. Although he was an athlete, Bob allowed his children to be themselves, no pressure, his presence alone filled the moment with support, love, guidance and surety. It shouldn't surprise anyone to see the accomplishments of Gretchen and Haig, for they are the footprint of an incredible human being, their father. Godspeed Bob, take that Porsche for a lasting spin; your presence will live with those who admire, love and cherish your terrestrial journey

Teresa Dudley Jun 10, 2024

Friend/coworker ,Waynesboro ,Virginia

I have so many wonderful memories of Bob. I was blessed to be a part of his insurance company and he was truly the best boss ever, but also a friend. He cared about people and had a contagious smile. Loved to throw the best parties and celebrate his employees. He loved his family and we all knew who his kids were. He loved talking about his Porsches and stories he had. I am so sorry for your loss because he was a wonderful man and I will forever be grateful to have known him and be apart of his business family.

Pam Seitter- Redding Jun 10, 2024

Employee of Insurance Resources Corp ,Ashland ,Virginia

Sending my deepest sympathy for the loss of an amazing man. I had the privilege of working for and with this man for 13 years and he was the most kind hearted willing to teach you anything you were willing to learn. I still have my " Employee of the month" from Insurance Resources Corporation " . He always made it feel like we all were family. One of the things I remember most each morning you turn on your computer he had this message displayed. 'The producer is King' no matter what the customer was always right while you were on the phone with a customer. We would always laughed when we would try and show him new programs he would say No.. He was certainly old school nothing was better than " Lotus1-2-3" These days are ones I will always remember. RIP Bob ---

Phyllis Gamel Jun 11, 2024

Co-worker ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Sending my warmest condolences to Bob’s family. I worked with Bob during the 80s on The Plaza. I was respectful of him, and he was always very nice to me, as he was to others. Today, he would be described as what we call ‘chill’..and a heck of a good guy, always.

Marcella Humble Frickey Jun 14, 2024

school friend ,Hoyt ,Kansas

Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord keep and comfort you and your family.

Patty Cordes Jun 16, 2024

Co-worker ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

Bob gave me my first real job and it was a pleasure and a privilege to work for him! I remember my interview like it was yesterday! He asked me if I played softball, which I did. Then his phone rang and he said to me with his best impression of Peter Sellers, it's the phone which I then replied, does your dog bite. We laughed for a good 2 to 3 minutes and I happily got the job! RIP Bob and thank you for the wonderful memories! You will never be forgotten! Patty Fiscus Cordes

Mary Lynn Rowley Jun 16, 2024

Friend ,Houston ,Texas

Bob was a good friend and a good person So many great memories of Bob (Rowley) and I meeting up with him at car shows and race tracks around the country. Bob R beat him to the Big Racetrack in the Sky by two years but I'm sure the two of them are now revving their engines and having a blast. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Services

Event:
Celebration of Life
Location:
Deer Ridge Estates
Address:
21107 Donohoo Road
City:
Tonganoxie
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66086
Date:
Jun 17, 2024
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map:
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