Alvin V. Newton, 98, of the Bland Lake Community passed away Saturday, Nov. 19. He was born Sept. 30, 1924, in Bland Lake. After high school, he joined the United States Army, and he was assigned to the 36th Infantry Division Company G 142nd Infantry. He served on the front lines in WW II as a First Scout, Rifleman and a Bazooka Rocket Launcher operator. He obtained the rank of Corporal and saw action in Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rineland, and Central Europe. While serving in World War II, he received several decorations and citations which included the WW II Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the EAME Theater Ribbon and 4 Bronze Service Stars.

Survivors include his daughters, Brenda McCurry of Benton, AK, Betty Chambers and husband Lane of San Augustine; sons, Alvin K. Newton and wife Ruth Ann of Beaumont and Gregory C. Newton and his wife Angela of Martinsville; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Syble Newton on Dec. 11, 2014; his parents, John Robert and Sarah Newton; brothers, Edward, Jessie, Carl, Glynn, Leonard, and Wayne Newton; and son-in-law, William L. 'Bill' McCurry.

Funeral services were held Nov. 27, in the Wyman Roberts Funeral Home Chapel, San Augustine, with Bro. Frank Holrath officiating. Interment followed at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden. Military honors were provided by local VFW and American Legion members, the U.S. Army, and the Patriot Guard Riders.