Rufus’ Obituary Rufus Leroy Newsom, 85, of Paxton Illinois, passed away 5:50 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2019 at his home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton with Rev. Tom Anders officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Tuesda y, April 9, 2019 at the funeral home. Rufus was born in Harviell, Missouri, on April 30, 1933 to Andrew and Allie Hodge Newsom. He married Virgie Ann Smith in Harviell on June 7, 1952. She passed away on September 14, 2014. Rufus is survived by one daughter, Sandee Gale (Donald) Moore, Jr. of Urbana; two sons, John Andrew “Andy” (Angie Hofer) Newsom of Manteno, Robert “Bob” Randall (Tonya Anderson) Newsom of Paxton; and six grandchildren, Austin (Carli Padgett) Newsom of Manteno, Allie (Marcus) Rinaldi of Noblesville, Indiana, Aryn Newsom of Chicago, Adam Newsom of Manteno, Andrew Newsom of Normal, and Randee Newsom, West Lafayette, Indiana; and one great-grandchild, Brooks Newsom of Manteno. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, George Marshall Newsom and Alfred Jackson “AJ” Newsom; his sister, Elva Partain; and his grandson, Scott William Stedwell. Rufus grew up in rural Harviell, where at the age of 18 he met the love of his life, Virgie, while she was singing in the church choir. They were married for 62 wonderful years. Shortly after being married, Rufus was drafted into the army. He served as a corporal in the 7th Army 63rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion from 1953 to 1955 and was stationed in Germany. After the army, he and Virgie stayed in Paxton, where they raised their family. Rufus had a career as an autobody repairman and was well-known for his superior abilities. When Chanute AFB in Rantoul closed, Virgie was transferred to Wichita Falls, Texas. Rufus and Virgie lived in Texas for four years before moving back to Paxton. While in Texas, Rufus was a member of the Burkburnett Calvary Baptist Church, serving as trustee and helping out any where he was needed. Rufus attended the Church of Christ in Paxton. Rufus enjoyed camping with his wife at Wildwood Campground in Ellsworth, Illinois, where they had a campsite for over 40 years. He also enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and fishing. Rufus was an avid race car enthusiast. For the past 25 years, Rufus had a hobby of repairing bicycles. Through this he was able to do his favorite pastime…talk about his children and his wife. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rufus Leroy Newsom April 30 1933 April 05 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Paxton, state: Illinois