Fort Smith businessman, community ‘advocate’ Kelly Newton has died

Longtime Fort Smith businessman and community supporter Kelly Newton has died following what his family says was a “courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.” He was 74.

Newton for decades owned and operated a family business, Newton’s Jewelers, in downtown Fort Smith. The business was founded by George H. Newton Sr. in 1914 in McAlester, Okla., according to the store’s website.

Four of George’s sons followed in his footsteps and opened individual stores in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Iowa. The Fort Smith store was owned by William W. “Bill” Newton until his death in 2001. His wife, Zoe, and three sons Kelly, Kyle and Kevin, were all involved with the business.

“In 2019 he received the highest honor awarded by the American Gem Society, the Robert M. Shipley Award for his exemplary service to the Society and its high purposes, objectives and ideals in his community,” noted an excerpt from Newton’s obituary.

When the business closed in April 2023, it was operated by Newton, his wife, Marilyn, his daughters, Sara, Jennifer and Lucy, and Newton’s Jewelers veteran employees Gary Curtis and Richard Lang.

“Kelly was an humble champion for Fort Smith. We will miss his generosity and kindness,” said Fort Smith Mayor George McGill.

Newton was praised as a community advocate in a statement by the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share our condolences with the family and loved ones of Kelly Newton. Kelly was a remarkable supporter of the Chamber and a steadfast advocate for our community. His dedication and passion for Fort Smith will leave a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are mourning this tremendous loss,” the chamber noted.

Following is the obit posted by Edwards Funeral Home.
Kelly was born on March 21, 1950 in Fort Smith, AR to William W. Newton and Zoe Wilburn Newton. He graduated from Southside High School in 1968. He then attended Southern Methodist University where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduating in 1972 with a degree in Business Management, he returned home to join the family business founded by his grandfather in 1914.

After his father’s passing, he led the company until his retirement in 2023. Kelly was a respected jeweler and certified gemologist appraiser for many years. In 2019 he received the highest honor awarded by the American Gem Society, the Robert M. Shipley Award for his exemplary service to the Society and its high purposes, objectives and ideals in his community.

When he moved back to Fort Smith after college he reconnected with the love of his life, Marilyn. In September 2024, they celebrated 50 years of marriage. They were truly best friends and have always been inseparable. Kelly was the epitome of a family man. He and Marilyn raised three daughters together. Sara and Jennifer, twins and youngest daughter, Lucy. Kelly was a proud father and welcomed all three girls into the family business with open arms.

Throughout the years, all five members of the family truly enjoyed working together. Kelly enjoyed singing in his church chancel choir and the Fort Smith Chorale. He also loved golfing and fishing with friends.

Kelly will be remembered as a positive, loving, and honest man. His memory will live on forever with many, especially with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. One of his greatest accomplishments was becoming “K-dad” to his 4 grandchildren, Carson, Lily, Webb and Sara Kathryn. He loved his time with them and was the absolute proudest grandfather.

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kyle and Kevin. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn Hill Newton, daughters, Sara Lane(Chad), Jennifer Norman (Josh), and Lucy Lundy (Michael), his grandchildren, Carson Newton Lane, Lillian Elizabeth Norman, William Webb Norman and Sara Kathryn Lane, two step grandchildren Emily and Kristopher Lundy, sister in law and brother in law, Louanna and Jack Green, and nephew, Kevin Newton (Lisa), nephew Jeffrey Green ( Maria), niece Courtenay Decker ( Bill), and nephew, Hayden Green.

Memorial service will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 at 2:00pm in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church, Fort Smith Chorale and Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House.