Obituary of Bobby Gene Newsome

Bobby Gene Newsome was born on November 7, 1951 in Prestonburg, Kentucky. He was the only son born from the late Earl Newsome and Dollie (Newsom) Newsome Ralph.   Bobby was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict.   He would serve as armor crewman before his honorable discharge in 1973, earning several commendations such as national defense service medal and marksman.  

Bobby married the love of his life, Janet Lynn Thomas, on January 30, 1971 at First Baptist Church in Westland.   From this union came the birth of three children. Bobby was a great husband and cared deeply for his children.   He worked hard to provide for them as a customer service agent at Delta Airlines for more than thirty-two years, retiring in February of 2018.

Bobby was very passionate.   With an unselfish spirit and a very big heart he made sure to always put the needs of others first.   As an avid outdoorsman, Bobby, fished often, fed and watched the birds, and loved to tool around in his new golf cart.  He enjoyed yard work and would often be outside from sun up to sun down.  

As a young man, Bobby stayed active playing softball and baseball.   He enjoyed wrestling, listening to music, and of course he loved to eat and often.

Bobby Gene Newsome, age 66 of Carleton, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, August 4, 2018.   In addition to his father his passing was preceded by a step-father: Richard Ralph.

To cherish his memory, Bobby leaves his beloved wife: Janet Lynn Newsome of Carleton; his three children: Angela Kay (Douglas) Nance of Belleville, Bobby Alan (Chasity) Newsome of Dundee, and Brian Dwayne (Kristin) Newsome of Belleville; his sister: Pamela Sue Lewis of Garden City; seven grandchildren: Aaron, Douglas, Klaudia, Chloe, AJ, Brian Jr. and Emma; his niece: Kelsey (Aaron) Zupancic; and a great niece: Kora.

Friends may gather on Friday, August 10, 2018 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 10:00am also at Merkle’s with Pastor Roy Southerland to officiate. Procession will follow to Highland Cemetery in Ypsilanti for burial.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.