JL Newell of Columbus died Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Services will be held at a later date at Highland Park Church in Columbus, Nebraska. 

JL Newell was born November 24, 1937 in Mississippi to Willie and Nell (Tierce) Newell. He grew up in Arkansas and Mississippi where he received his education. He farmed in Missouri until 1960 when he moved to California where he worked on a farm and did land leveling. He was married to Kathryn “Dianne” McDowell on December 5, 1964 in California. In 1970 he went to work at Baltimore Aircoil of California in Madera, California until his retirement in 1999, He was a member of Highland Park Church. He enjoyed fishing and camping. 

He is survived by; Daughter Lori (Mark) Olmstead of Brentwood, CA -Grandson Connor Whisenhunt and Step-Granddaughters Mallory and Kayla OlmsteadDaughter Stephanie (Mike) Larsen of Columbus -Grandsons Ben (Krysti) Larsen and Cody (Shayla) Larsen -Great Grandchildren Rudy Larsen, Westley Larsen, Jack Larsen, Noelle Larsen, Juniper Larsen, and Sawyer Larsen Daughter April (Vince) Reed of Columbus -Grandson Colton Reed and Granddaughter Emily Reed Brother James (Paula) Newell Sister-in -laws: Martha McDowell of Maine and Margaret McDowell of California Many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by: Wife Catherine Taylor Newell Wife Kathryn "Dianne" Newell Parents and siblings Brothers-in-laws and sister-in-law Son-in-law Mick Whisenhunt.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Columbus Christian School or to Royal Family Kids.