Ronald Newton

Ronald M. Newton, 76, of Fairview passed away at 5:16 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2016 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  He was born on July 23, 1939 in Buckheart Township to Marion and Clella M. “Kelly” (Lillie) Newton.  Ron married Dixie L. Shields on October 2, 1960 in Canton.  She survives along with three children; David Newton of Holland, MI, Dustin Newton of Fairview, and Ronda (Todd) Hess of Hudson, two granddaughters; Caitlin French of Hudson, and Mason Newton of Canton.
Ron collected and showed Case farm toys and Lionel trains. He was President of Bald Bluff Tractor Pullers where he announced tractor pulls and also did the announcing at Fairview Livestock shows.  He was Santa’s helper for over 45 years.  Ron served on the Fairview Fire Department for 25 years.  He worked as manager in several fertilizer plants, drove a school bus for Valley Schools, helped with planting and harvesting for several area farmers, and was the grounds keeper at the Fairview Fin and Feather Fishing Club.  He was a member of Shields Chapel United Methodist Church.
Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, April 28 at Shields Chapel Church with the Rev. Wally Carlson and Rev. Dean Austin officiating.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Wednesday at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.  Burial will follow in Shields Chapel Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Shields Chapel Church or Cemetery.
To leave online condolences, please visit Oaks-Hines Funeral Home