Bill and Bessie Newport
Jun. 24, 1930 - Nov. 2, 2020; Nov. 5, 1931 - Nov. 3, 2020
Memorial viewing for Bill and Bessie Newport will be between 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Friday, November 6th, at First Baptist Church, Stonewall.
Private graveside services for Billy Charles (Bill) Newport, Sr., 90, and Bessie Lee Polk Newport, 88, of Stonewall, will be at 2 pm Friday at Highland Cemetery, with Rev. Richard Dickerson and Brother J.P. Williams officiating.
Bill passed away Monday, November 2, 2020, and Bessie followed in death Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at Brookdale Assisted Living Center, Ada. Bill was born June 24, 1930 in Maud, Oklahoma to Clyde Carroll and Nora Leona Haddock Newport. Upon graduation from Stonewall High School, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the 45th Infantry of the Oklahoma National Guard, served in the Korean Conflict, and was discharged as Sergeant First Class in July 1952. He then studied petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma and worked his entire career in the oil industry, most notably as Vice President, Brooks Hall Oil Corporation.
Bessie was born November 5, 1931 in Stonewall to John Polk, Sr. and Pearl Lee Mote Polk. She graduated from Stonewall High School and Chickasha Women’s College in Chickasha. She taught elementary school in the Putnam City School District before turning her full attention to family, ranch and church.
Bill and Bessie were married December 18, 1949 in Stonewall, Oklahoma. Only two things separated them during their 70 years of marriage, Bill’s military service and the 18 hours between their deaths. Together they operated a ranch at Piedmont, Oklahoma for 25 years and then, Stonewall, Oklahoma since 1975. As they would both want to be remembered, they were first and foremost children of God and loved serving Him with everything they had. They both served faithfully in the First Baptist Church, Stonewall, for many years. Bill served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and passionate leader to many building projects, both in Stonewall and at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center. Bessie epitomized servant leadership, lovingly serving as a teacher, mentor and prayer warrior and always had a passion for missions and drawing others to a personal relationship with the Lord. Through the years, their generosity and love ministered to many, young, and old alike.
Survivors include three sons, Billy Newport, Jr. and wife Deborah, Yukon, Mike Newport and wife Melinda, Ada and Bob Newport and wife Audrey, Stonewall; seven grandchildren, Rebekah Mercer, Yukon, Nathan Newport and wife Nell, Oklahoma City, Caleb Newport and wife, Katherine, Houston, TX, Joshua Newport and wife Jayma, Stonewall, Lindsay Estes and husband Ryan, Ada, Lacey Butner and husband Brett, Wewoka and Taylor Newport, Norman; 13 great-grandchildren; Bill’s sister-in-law, Sammie Newport, Stratford; nieces and nephews, Mitchell Newport, Sulphur, Terri Cothren, Stratford, Taylor Caldwell and Susan McKay, both of Stonewall. Tommy Caldwell, Bithlo, FL, Paula Kerr, Stonewall, Judy Gann, Tulsa and Sherri Smith, Tulsa; and other loving relatives and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Bob Newport. Bessie was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, John Polk, Jr.; and two sisters, Fannie Caldwell and Mary Ellen Dorley.
The family expresses tremendous gratitude to the staff at Brookdale Assisted Living Center, Ada, for their compassionate care that allowed Bill and Bessie to remain together in their final days.
A favorite verse of Bessie’s, “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; let such as love thy salvation say continually, the LORD be magnified.” PS 40:16
In honor of their years of service to God, those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Stonewall First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 295, Stonewall, OK 74871.