- Date Of Birth: June 6, 1986
- Date Of Death: November 26, 2021
- State: California
Raymond Michael Newton (35), born June 6,1986, in Winfield, Illinois and grew up in Carol Stream, Illinois currently of San Diego, California. Passed away unexpectedly Friday, November 26, 2021, in Phoenix, AZ surrounded by the love of his mother, Elizabeth Newton, father, LeRoy Newton Jr., sisters, Rachael (Newton) Mennes, Emily Newton, and partner, Ana Clara. He is survived in death by his wife Micah, and children Dylan and Serena. Brother-in-law Jerry Mennes, nieces Maxine and Vivian, Maternal Grandmother Bonnie LaBarre, Paternal Grandmother Rita Newton as well as a many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by Maternal Grandfather Donald LaBarre and Paternal Grandfather LeRoy Newton Sr.
Ray attended Glenbard North High School graduating class of 2004. In his childhood years Ray spent time riding bikes, skateboarding, playing in the creeks, playing baseball, and spent summers swimming at the pool.
Ray enlisted in the United States Navy in 2007 where he completed bootcamp at Great Lakes Naval Base. Ray’s first duty station was in Yokosuka, Japan aboard the USS Curtis Wilbur DDG 54 from 2007- 2013. While serving Ray completed many missions and humanitarian efforts, one of which was as a first responder in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The epicenter in the Pacific Ocean occurred east of the Oshika Peninsula of the Tohoku region. The tsunami caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, primary meltdowns of three reactors caused the discharge of radioactive water in the Fukushima and the associated evacuation zones affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. Residents within a 12-mile radius were evacuated.
With a brand-new family member, he was then transferred to Port Operations White Beach Okinawa operating small boats providing security and oil spill response and where he discovered his passion for diving. Ray also spent 2 weeks with his family in February 2013 so Grandma and Grandpa and Aunties could meet our new family member.
After growing his family again, and Ray’s shore tour ended he took orders in February 2016 to the USS Spruance DDG 111 stationed in San Diego, California, bringing him back stateside. During his deployment to the middle east with the USS Spruance he was nominated and received his second Admiral Zumwalt award. Ray is the only two-time winner of the Admiral Zumwalt award to date. He was then subsequently advanced to First Class Petty Officer.
While Ray had a most impressive Naval career, he was a Sailors Sailor. His two greatest accomplishments are his children Dylan and Serena. Ray blossomed as a dad, loving and kind instilling hard work and kindness above all else. He was patient, made sure the kids were his top priority, he was the fun Dad.
Ray was always up for anything. There is nothing he would not try.
Ray lived life to the fullest above all he loved his children.
