Walter Lee Newby

Walter Lee Newby passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13th, 2026 surrounded by family and friends. Walt was born on September 8th, 1932 in Washington County, Oklahoma and was the only child of Forrest and Geneva Newby. In 1942 the family moved to Sulphur, Louisiana where he met his future wife, Winona McLaughlin. Together they lived in the same neighborhood, attended the same schools and dances, and fell in love. They were married in 1953 and remained married for 71 years. During his high school years he was active in the FFA and competed in rodeos.

Walt and Nonie moved to Port Arthur and raised three children. He worked for Texaco Refinery for 37 years where he worked as an operator, supervisor and safety coordinator. He also owned Newby Motors in Pear Ridge for 30 years. Walt was in the Army National Guard, proudly serving his country from 1950 until 1959, serving both in Louisiana and Texas, reaching the rank of Sergeant and was active during the Korean Conflict Era and Peacetime. Like his father before him, Walt was a 32’ Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Cosmopolitan Lodge 872 in Port Arthur and also rode with the El Mina Shrine motorcycle patrol for many years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Port Arthur for 72 years.

Upon his retirement, he and Nonie traveled the country before building their dream home in Port Neches. Together they spent the rest of their lives enjoying their grandchildren, garden, and friends. Walt loved to go fishing on Toledo Bend Lake, where he had a camp and traveling to his ranch in Dublin, Texas where he raised a few cows and enjoyed eating at the Hard Eight in Stephenville.

Walt is survived by his children, Eric Newby, Dr. Janis Newby Parham, and Ethan Newby. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Winona McLaughlin and daughter, Diana Lee Newby.

A Celebration of Life Service beginning with Full Military Honors and Masonic Rights will be held at Melancon-Levingston Funeral Home, located at 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, Texas on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 4:00p.m. Special appreciation to all of his caregivers, friends, and neighbors who lovingly cared for him for many years, providing delicious meals, yard work, and kindness.