Richard “Dad” Newens - January 4, 1926 - May 22, 2025

    WWII Veteran assigned to Ship U.S.S. Knox APA46, Richard William Newens, known to most as “Dad,” 99, of Deer Lodge, passed away on May 22. Dad was born on Jan. 4, 1926, to Forest and Sylvia (Warehime) Newens in Willard, Colo. He passed away at home, in his easy chair, with Jan and Gerald by his side.
    Richard proudly served his country in World War II in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Knox (APA-46). His time in the military was a source of great pride and honor for him throughout his long life.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roy and Charles; sister, Maxene; our mother, Juanita; and his soul mate, our stepmom, Sheila Rachel.
    He is survived by his son, Charles Newens and his wife, Janet; daughter, Jan Bender and her husband, Gerald; granddaughters, Lydia Mitchell and her husband, Eric Knight, Tabitha Mangum and her husband, Jamell, and Sonja Crum and her husband, Chris; great-grandchildren, Madison Hall and her husband, Kyle, Sheldon Davis and his wife, Crystal, and Jayson Davis; five great-great-grandchildren; and his cherished Valley Foods Family.
    The family of Richard would like to extend a special thanks to Nurse Becky, Chaplain Barb and all the staff at Stillwater Hospice for the outstanding compassion and care they provided to Dad in his final days.
    A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 19, at Deer Lodge Elks Lodge, 230 Main St., Deer Lodge. A luncheon will follow at the lodge.
    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Elk’s Lodge 1737, memo line: Veteran Quilt Project, P.O. Box 777, Deer Lodge, MT 59722
    Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Richard. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory have been privileged to care for Dad and his family.