Harold Clinton Newsom

Harold Newsom, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather, passed away October 22, 2012. He called his life fortunate and full of adventure. Raised during the Depression in the Dust-Bowl Texas Panhandle, Harold knew tragedy and hard work early in life. While attending El Paso High School in the mid-1940’s, he developed a love of airplanes and flying, which led to his first career adventure, flying and repairing airplanes with Champs Aviation. As a result of contracting polio at age 13, Harold began square dancing for exercise, which led to his second career adventure as a square dance caller. More importantly, he met his bride, Betty Lou Ratliff, at a square dance. Together they made a home, raised four children, working hard at everything they did. Harold’s third career adventure moved him from airplanes to missiles as he embarked on a 35-year career with Raytheon at White Sands Missile Range, first as sheet-metal man, then electronics engineer. During his years at Raytheon, he attended UTEP at night while working and raising his family to earn his Bachelor in Mathematics and Physics, Master in Business Management, and to achieve Principal Engineer recognition. The final years at Raytheon were spent in Europe, where Harold and Betty travelled extensively before retiring, having many wonderful adventures. Following retirement, he ventured into the restaurant business, real estate, and home building. Harold was undaunted in the face of tremendous struggles. He faced the challenges of his life (and the ups and downs of his beloved Dallas Cowboys) with determination and fortitude, and taught his family to do the same. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Betty Newsom; children Janet, Clint, Carole Newsom Naasz (Bruce), and Charles (Kelly); and eight grandchildren, Daniel and Cristal Margrave; Matthew Welch; Clint Newsom III; Dean, Maggie, and Claire Newsom; Hayley Naasz. Donations may be made to Hospice El Paso, 1440 Miracle Way, EPTX 79925, or Feed the Mission, University Presbyterian Church. Private family burial. Memorial service 2:00 pm Monday, October 29, 2012, University Presbyterian Church, 244 N. Resler, EPTX 79912.