Wendell John Newell

Wendell John Newell, 92, passed away on September 5, 2026, in Newton, Kansas, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, service, hard work, laughter, and love of the land. 

Wendell was born November 20, 1933, in Newton, Iowa, to Ralph and EmmaBelle (Herron) Newell. From an early age, he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, responsibility, and devotion to family—values that would guide him throughout his life.

 In 1950, at just 16 years old, Wendell joined the United States Air Force. His decision to enlist at such a young age came from a desire to serve alongside his brother, Clayton. Wendell went on to serve his country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. His military service remained an important and proud part of his life. 

While still serving in the Air Force, Wendell married the love of his life, Dixie Carter, on November 29, 1953. For nearly 73 years, Wendell and Dixie shared a life together, and his love and devotion to her never wavered. Of all the things Wendell accomplished during his 92 years, the life and family he built with Dixie were among those he treasured most. 

Together they raised five children and watched their family grow to include 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Wendell loved his family deeply and took great pride in the generations that followed him. Following his military service, Wendell continued his education at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where he earned his degree in electrical engineering. His education laid the foundation for a long and successful professional career and reflected the intelligence, determination, and work ethic that characterized so much of his life. 

Wendell devoted more than 50 years of his professional life to Boeing, building an extraordinary career that spanned several roles. He worked as an electrical engineer, served as a program manager, and later worked as a recruiter until his retirement. As a recruiter, Wendell had the opportunity to help many young engineers take their first steps into the profession and begin their own engineering careers. He took pride in recognizing potential in others and helping open doors for a new generation of engineers. After more than half a century at Boeing, his professional legacy could be measured not only by the work he accomplished himself, but also by the many people whose careers he helped launch. His intelligence, leadership, strong work ethic, and natural ability to relate to people served him well throughout his career. Just as importantly, those many years at Boeing brought lasting friendships that continued long after the workday was over. But Wendell’s heart was never far from the farm. He had a true passion for agriculture and especially enjoyed wheat farming and running cattle. There was something about working the ground, watching a wheat crop grow, tending cattle, and seeing the results of honest work that brought him great satisfaction. Farming wasn’t simply something Wendell did—it was part of who he was. Wendell also knew how to enjoy life. He was funny, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was blessed with a great smile. He enjoyed making people laugh, and that smile could brighten a room. 

Friendship was an important part of Wendell’s life. Over the years, he formed lasting friendships through his work, around the bridge table, and during many a poker game. These were more than simply ways to pass the time. They were opportunities for conversation, laughter, friendly competition, storytelling, and the companionship of people whose friendships endured through the years. Whether gathered around a card table or visiting with an old friend, Wendell enjoyed the camaraderie and good humor that came with being among people he cared about. Wendell was a Christian who lived his faith by example. His beliefs could be seen in the way he treated others, the devotion he showed to his family, his willingness to serve, and the values by which he lived. He served as a deacon and taught Sunday school at First Christian Church in Sedgwick, Kansas. For Wendell, faith was not simply something to profess; it was something to live—with kindness, integrity, humility, and gratitude. Above all else, Wendell was a devoted husband and family man. His love for Dixie was deep and enduring. Through nearly 73 years of marriage, they experienced a lifetime together—raising their children, building careers, farming, worshiping, welcoming grandchildren and great-grandchildren, laughing together, and growing older side by side. 

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and EmmaBelle Newell; his sister, Elaine Knapp; his sisters-in-law, Donna Newell and Shirley Watson; and his brothers-in-law, Wes Knapp, Larry Walker, and Robert Watson. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dixie Newell; his five children, Wendy Mosiman (Bradley), DeeAnn Wampler (Steven), Jonathan Newell (Kendra), Joni Glaser (Curt), and Peter Newell (Melinda); his brother, Clayton Newell (Maryann); his sister, Ina Walker; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. 

The measure of Wendell’s life can be found in so many places: in the wife he loved immensely for nearly 73 years, in the children he raised, in the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who carry his legacy forward, in fields of Kansas wheat, in cattle grazing on the land, in the young engineers whose careers he helped begin, in his service to his country and his church, and in the friendships, laughter, and stories shared around countless tables through the years. His was a life rooted in the things that mattered most to him—faith, family, country, hard work, friendship, laughter, and love. Wendell will be deeply missed. But his great smile, his humor, his love for Dixie, his devotion to his family, and the lives he touched throughout his 92 years will remain treasured memories and an enduring legacy for all who knew and loved him. 

A funeral service celebrating Wendell’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Grace Church in Newton, Kansas