Rex Barnell Newton

Rex Barnell Newton, affectionately known as “Grandpa,” lived a wonderful life. Rex was born on April 20, 1930, in Mona, UT, to Frederick Earl Newton and Isabella Mary Ellsworth. He died of natural causes at age 95, on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Escalante at Coventry Center in Cottonwood Heights, UT. We want to thank all the workers who cared for Dad these last few months for their kind care and support.

Rex was born and lived in Mona until he was 12 years old in the old family home and farm. He attended Mona Elementary School, which had four rooms with 1st through 8th grades, with two grades per classroom. His Uncle, Ray Newton, was the principal and taught 7th and 8th grades. Rex’s mother also started school lunch in Mona.

During World War II, Rex and his family moved to Salt Lake City, UT, in 1942. He attended Bryant Junior High and West High School. His favorite subjects were auto mechanics and math.

When he was young, Rex loved going to dances, movies, and on scouting trips. In the fall, he also loved to hunt deer, ducks, pheasants, and doves with his Dad. Later, as an adult, he developed a passion for golf.

He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many ward and stake positions. We also appreciated Dad and Mom for taking us to church. Dad was always a humble follower of our Heavenly Father. We thank you for this example, Dad!

Rex was hardworking and dedicated to his family, and everything he did was for them. He was an honorably discharged Navy Veteran, joining the Navy in 1948, right after World War II. He attended the Electrician Mates’ School in the Navy. Rex served on the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt Aircraft Carrier for four years and left the Service in 1951, a few months after the Korean War started.

Rex was a friendly person, and he always had friends. He was loving, caring, attentive, and had a fun sense of humor. He loved to garden, hunt, fish, and play golf. He enjoyed traveling with his family and friends. “Family” and “Church” were the center of his universe. He was always giving to others.

Rex is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Earl & Isabella Mary Newton, his sister LaRee and her husband Victor Chaston, and his great-grandson, Jackson Todd. He also lost his beloved wife, Carol Hudson Newton, in May 2014.

Dad, we will miss you so very much! You were our “go-to” when anything needed to be fixed, helped with our homes or our children, and for your advice. You always got your point across without judgment and provided us with sound advice. You always accepted all kinds of people, regardless of social or religious beliefs or background. You always loved your in-law children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Your great, great grandchildren called you “great-great,” which was appropriately so. We thank you, Dad, for all your help, the family trips and parties, holiday celebrations, and the example of how to work hard. We have lived good lives because of you and Mom’s examples, hard work, and boundless love for us. We will keep you in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 16th, at the LDS Church at 2522 E 6710 So, Cottonwood Heights, UT, in the cultural hall from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a program at noon. Light refreshments will be served as family and friends gather to visit. There will not be a Viewing. At 1:00 pm, we will travel to the Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT. Rex will have a dedication of grave and military honors at the graveside.

We want to thank Ellen for her many years of service to our dad for his health, companionship, and well-being. We also want to thank nurse Kylie from the VA and nurse Mike from Active Home Health & Hospice. Also, we need to thank the wonderful staff at Escalante at Coventry, who took such good care of our Dad. We also want to thank our family and friends for all your love and support.