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

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Roselawn Cemetery with Pastor Mike Escen officiating.

JL Newell was born November 24, 1937 in Wheeler, Mississippi to Willie and Nell (Tierce) Newell. He grew up in Mississippi and Arkansas. He farmed in Missouri until 1960 when he moved to California where he worked on a farm and did land leveling. He married Kathryn Dianne McDowell on December 5, 1964 in California. He enjoyed his welding career at Baltimore Aircoil of California in Madera, California where he retired in 1999. He was a self-taught mechanic and could fix anything. He made sure to teach his girls the basics to maintain their cars and he put the 1st tank of gas in and said that was his and to never let it go empty.

He was a member of Highland Park Church where he enjoyed hearing God’s Word and worshiping his Savior Jesus Christ. He enjoyed fishing and camping and spending time with all his family and friends.

He is survived by Daughter Lori (Mark) Olmstead of Brentwood, CA, Grandson Connor Whisenhunt, Step-Granddaughters Mallory and Kayla Olmstead, Daughter 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, Sawyer Larsen, Daughter April (Vince) Reed of Columbus, Grandson Colton Reed and Granddaughter Emily Reed, Brother James (Paula) Newell of Missouri, Sister-in-Law Martha McDowell of Maine, Sister-in-Law Margaret McDowell of California and many Nieces and Nephews.

He is preceded in death by wife Kathryn Dianne Newell, Son-in-Law Mick Whisenhunt, Parents, Brothers and Sisters Jimmy Newell, Albert Newell, Danny Newell, Novine Jensen, Anna Jeffries, Brothers-in- Law and Sisters-in-Law.

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