Donald Delano Newson

Donald Delano Newson, 90

Donald Delano Newson, 90, born in Smyrna, De. died peacefully with his family at his side and in his heart on April 24, 2024.

Donald D. Newson, 90, was born in August 1933 to the late John Howard and Pearl Margaret Tilghman Newson in Smyrna, DE. He was the baby of the family and preceded in death by brothers Carl, Grover, Horace, sister Mariam and stepsister Mary Louise. When he was a young lad, he welcomed stepsister Mary Louise to the family. He grew up working on the family farm in Concord and then in Georgetown where he became a lifelong resident. He had many nieces and nephews that he adored.

Donald was drafted to the Army and was sent to California, then onto Korea to valiantly fight for his country. When he came home from the Army he was smitten with a waitress at the local soda shop. He married the love of his life Bonnie-Lou Culver. He insisted she graduate from high school before he would marry her. They were married right after she graduated from high school, and they enjoyed 60 years together, before she passed in 2017. Soon they welcomed their first son Don, then 2 years later their daughter Donna followed by son Jeff. Dad was over the moon with his little family!

Donald made a career in the Delaware National Guard. He loved his career of 30 plus years. In his early years with Bonnie-Lou they would go dancing. When he was 74, he was still doing the Twist at his granddaughter’s wedding.

He is survived by his three children Don Newson (Kathy) of Dagsboro De., Donna Apgar (John) of Smyrna, DE., Jeff Newson (Cecilia) of Georgetown. Six grandchildren; Karen, Ashley, Cheri, Meggan, Brian, and Taylor. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was never much of a sports fan, but he couldn't wait to go to all the games his kids and grandchildren participated in. Cheering them on at every moment. He was so proud of his family!

He enjoyed his backyard garden, where he grew the most amazing sunflowers! Don also loved playing with his dogs and taking lots of pictures of his family.

When he retired in the late 80's he shared his joy of meeting people (he never knew a stranger) volunteering at the Nanticoke Hospital in Seaford. He always had a smile and was so willing to talk with anyone he met. He also joined the local American Legion and so enjoyed putting American flags on veterans’ graves.

Dad was so excited to meet his first great grandchild Noah, followed by Seth, Rory, Levi, Annabelle, Malachi, Natalie, and Topanga. He would tell whoever would listen how many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren he had. In 2024 he welcomed a great great granddaughter, Addie.

Early on he enjoyed collecting postcards from all over the world. He would always ask his children to send a postcard whenever anyone went out of town. He was also an avid reader and coin collector. He most enjoyed testing his grandchildren on the Capitol of every state. Even in his later years he could tell you which capital went with which state. He loved games, especially scrabble, bingo, and trivia. If he had the tv remote you knew he was going to watch the game show network. This was only a problem when football season was on because he would keep changing the channel to game shows!

Dad was a kind, loving soul. He always made you feel better about yourself and life in general after spending time with him. He is already leaving us with a void only our fond memories of his smile and his gentle nature can fill.

Funeral services will take place Tuesday, April 30 from 11-1:00 pm at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market Street Georgetown, DE. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 11:00. Burial service will be in Union Cemetery.

Online condolences are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com