Thomas Leroy Newton

Carterville

Thomas Leroy Newton, 85, of Carterville, Illinois, but residing in Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, at Louisville Baptist Hospital. Born on February 8, 1941, in Hurst-Bush, Illinois, to Curtis and Vera (Perry) Newton, Leroy lived a life marked by dedication to education, a passion for golf, and an enduring love for his family.

Leroy pursued his education with determination, earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale and later a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign. His career in education began as a math teacher at Cambria Elementary School. With his natural leadership abilities and commitment to fostering growth in others, he transitioned into administration and served as principal at Carterville High School until his retirement in 1994.

Beyond the classroom and administrative office, Leroy contributed significantly to the world of sports. He was a basketball referee and an active member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), where he served on the board and was elected president during his tenure. His dedication to athletics extended beyond officiating; after retiring from school administration, he embraced his love for golf by coaching at John A. Logan Community College for two years before taking on the role of golf coach at Southern Illinois University.

Leroy took immense pride in mentoring his players and sourcing as much local talent as possible. As a Division I school, SIU was highly competitive. He would find as many local kids as possible who could play at that level. It was his way of giving back to the area in which he was born and raised and chose to call home. Many of these relationships endured long after graduation.

An avid golfer himself, Leroy was known for his competitive spirit and skill on the green. He won numerous championships throughout his life and continued to play at an exceptional level up to a week before the stroke. He valued playing with those who shared his passion for the game and relished the challenge of competing against skilled opponents. The friendships he formed on the golf course were among his most treasured.

Leroy's warmth and charisma left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Known for being personable and never meeting a stranger, he had a knack for storytelling and could always be counted on to share a joke or anecdote that would brighten someone’s day. His devotion as a husband, brother, and uncle was unwavering.

Leroy is survived by Donna (Maxton) Newton, his beloved wife of 61 years and high school sweetheart; sisters, Sharon (Terry) Reichert  of Columbia, IL and Kim (Bob) Smyser of Louisville, KY; sister-in-law, Mae (Norman) Hanna of Mahomet, IL, (formerly of Hurst, IL); sister-in-law, Carol Newton of Marengo, IL; several nieces and nephews including: Shawn Smyser, Kara (Hanna) Vanskike, Jason Reichert, Ryan Reichert, Tiffany (Reichert) Lundholm, Valerie (Newton) Vandello, Anderea (Newton) Raffaele, and Earl Newton; along with 16 great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Curtis and Vera Newton; sister Nancy Newton; and brother, Sam Newton.

In his final days following a severe stroke on April 9th, Leroy was surrounded by love – his wife, Donna; sister, Kim; cousin-in-law, Paula Dunlap; niece, Kara; great nephew, Gavin Vanskike; and close buddy, Randy Throgmorton were in constant attendance during the hospital vigil. His niece Kara was by his side when he passed during the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 21st.

Leroy’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched as an educator, coach, mentor, competitor, friend, uncle, brother, and husband.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Jeff Dyson officiating. Burial will be in Blairsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.

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