Michael Brent Newell's Obituary
Michael Brent Newell of Fayetteville, AR passed away on September 27, 2025. He was born on March 1, 1931 in Yale, OK to Brent and Mabelle Newell. He moved with his family to Morrilton, AR in 1936, when his dad bought the Dodge-Plymouth automobile agency. He was very active in sports and music, playing football, basketball and track for Morrilton High School. He was the co-captain of the football team his senior year, and was also President of the Student Council.
He attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a Kappa Sigma. He graduated from State Teachers College in Conway, where he was a member of the band and played on the junior varsity football team. During the summer breaks, he worked as a clerk at the Bryce Canyon Lodge in southern Utah, one of his favorite jobs. He joined the U. S. Navy in 1953 and proudly served as a medical Corpsman for 2 years, stationed in Long Island, NY. He then entered the insurance industry, working as an adjuster for many years and eventually opening his own independent agency in Hot Springs, AR. He loved to play golf, and was a talented musician. He loved to play the trumpet and harmonica. He also loved going to church, and attended Christian Life Cathedral in Fayetteville for many years.
Mike’s first wife, Virginia “Ginny” Newell, passed away in 2005. He was fortunate to find love again, and was married to Anne Hanna Newell for 15 years before she passed away in 2021. Mike is survived by his nephews Alan D Lavenue (Suzanne), William Lashar Lavenue (Eman), Author Marsh Lavenue (Allana), and niece Myra Elizabeth Lavenue. He is also survived by the Hanna family: Stephanie Bryant (Doug), Mark Hanna (Carol), Thad Hanna (Anita), Burt Hanna (Carrie), and Brown Hanna (Erica). He also leaves behind a host of great nephews and nieces, and a host of step-grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Thanks to the team at The Bungalows in Fayetteville for taking such good care of Mike the last 3 years, and the staff at the VA Hospital who treated him so well. The family wishes to thank both for their compassionate care. His final resting place will be at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, AR. The family will have a private gathering in November to honor Mike’s life.
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