1931 – 2003

FARMINGTON – Donald C. “Woodchuck”, “Jakie” Newell, 72, of West New Portland, died Monday, Aug. 25, at Franklin Memorial Hospital following a long illness.

He was born June 23, 1931, in Farmington, a son of George and Bessie (Rogers) Newell. He received his education in New Portland schools and graduated in the late 40’s from New Portland High School.

He was employed for Newell Construction and the State of Maine Highway Dept. for 30 years, retiring in 1990 due to ill health.

He was a member of the Mt. Abram Lodge Masonic Lodge 204 of Kingfield and the Somerset Chapter O.E.S. of Stratton. “Woodchuck”, “Jakie”, was a people person.

He loved the challenge of bartering and dickering with folks and always looked forward to attending the agricultural fairs. He was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by two sons, Walter G. Newell and his wife, Kaye of Kingfield and Charles E. Newell and his wife Crystal of Salem; two sisters, Terry Wills and her husband, Stanley of New Portland and Lori Hunter and her husband, James of Farmington; a half-sister, Evelyn Edwards of Farmington; his former wife and close friend, Doris Meldrum Newell of Kingfield; 10 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Walter F. Newell, Bernard I. Newell and infant brother, Roger Newell.