Burle L. Newth

BURLE L. NEWTH, age 95 of Venango, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Golden Ours Convalescent Home.

Burle was born January 13,1920 in a sod house south of Venango, near the Perkins County line. He was the youngest son, one of seven children born to Dave and Myrtle (Chaney) Newth. He moved at the age of 1 to the family farm that he lived on most of his life. He attended school in Venango and graduated from high school in 1937. He attended Kearney State College for two years before enlisting in the Air Force in 1941, right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. While still in military training, Burle was married to Erma Engel of Doniphan, NE, whom he met when she came to be a teacher in Venango. Their marriage in NC on July 25,1942 was the beginning of a precious union which lasted almost 60 years. He was stationed in Polebrook, England for about 6 months and flew 25 missions as a waist gunner on the B-17 airplane. During WW II his rank was Technical Sergeant and his division was the 351st Bomb Group 508th Squadron 8th Air Force and he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. He served until his honorable discharge in 1945 and was the last known survivor of his 10 man crew.

Following the war, Burle returned to Venango and farmed with his father and brothers. Burle and Erma were blessed with four children. Growing up on a farm, the values of hard work and family traditions were taught to him early and he carried those beliefs through the rest of his life. He was devoted to country and community, serving actively as a member in a number of clubs and on multiple boards. He was a strong, committed and involved community leader. He retired from farming in 1983 and moved into Venango and lived there until 2013. Westview in Grant was his final home.

Burle loved to hunt and fish and spent many hours hunting pheasants, ducks, and geese with all the boys. He also enjoyed swimming for exercise, playing cards and dancing to live music. What Burle missed the most at the end was not being able to play golf anymore, after only quitting at the age of 92.

Burte was known for his patriotism and his love of his country. With great pride In November of 2008 he got to go on the 5th Heartland Honor Flight to Washington, DC to see the World War II Memorial. It was an honor for him to get to attend and be recognized and thanked by so many different people.He enjoyed his family and was always immensely proud of all his children and grandchildren and their love for him is never ending. His children will miss him, but give thanks for the love he shared, his generosity, and the lessons he imparted.

Burle was preceded in death by his wife, Erma in 2002 after a long battle with Alzheimer's and Burle cared for her until the end. He was also preceded in death by son, Lynn Newth in April, 2014; first grandson, Robby Newth; sisters, Virginia Olsen, Marjory Croft, Ilva Jean Powers; and brothers Harold, Clif, and Gordon.

Burle is survived by his children, Gary and his wife Linda Newth of Venango, Connie Berger of Ft. Collins, Colo., Kevin and his wife Diane Newth of Sabetha, Kan.; his grandchildren, Gayle Newth, Lara Saunders, Jerry Newth, Jo Duncan, Janelle Patrias, Alyssa Watkins, Michael Newth and Rebecca Newth; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to the Venango Community Church or the Venango Cemetery in Burle's memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be held on Wednesday, January 13th at 11:00 AM at the Venango Community Church with Pastor Chris Costrini officiating. Burial will be in the Venango Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 1 PM to 6 PM at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.