Tracy H. Newton

Tracy H. Newton, age 97, of Dover, died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born May 6, 1915, in Blanchard, MI, he was a son of the late Karl and Nellie Miller Newton. Tracy moved with his family at a young age to Dover, and graduated from Dover High School in 1932. He worked as a machinist's apprentice at the Standard Mold Co. in Akron, and was employed at the U. S. Naval Torpedo Plant in Alexandria, VA at the outset of the Second World War. Tracy subsequently joined the U.S. Navy and served honorably aboard the U.S.S. Baltimore in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Following his service time, he returned home to marry the former Guyda Smith on Jun. 25, 1949. The couple shared over sixty-two years together and reared three children prior to Guyda's passing on Sept. 21, 2011. Tracy was employed by the Hanna Coal Co. in Cadiz, and later went on to become the co-owner and operator, with his brother Robert, of the Commercial Machine & Welding Co. in Dover, from which he retired. Always one to stay busy, he returned to work at the Shenango Penn Mold Co., ultimately retiring in 1981.

Tracy was a life-long learner and a man of many interests and talents. First and foremost, his life revolved around his family who were very dear to him. He was a voracious reader of books and periodicals, and was always knowledgeable about current events he voted this past Saturday. He enjoyed camping with his family, was a member of the Tusco Traveliers, and enjoyed sailing with his sons at Atwood Lake. Tracy also liked to travel and had visited much of the United States as well as Europe.

He was an accomplished woodworker, a true craftsman, who made fine pieces of furniture for family and friends. The rocking horses and cradles Tracy made for his grandchildren are cherished heirlooms. Additionally, he enjoyed classical music, "the only music," he would say.

Tracy was a faithful member of the Winfield United Methodist Church, and belonged to the Tuscarawas Valley Pioneer Power Association.

Survivors include his three children, Mary P. Cooper and Dwight (wife, Christine Walsh) Newton, both of Dover, and Kevin (wife, Mary Ellen Lawless) Newton of Akron; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Clarence Newton of Dover; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, and his beloved wife, Guyda, Tracy was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

Tracy's life will be celebrated in a service Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, officiated by Rev. LuAnn Youngman. Burial will be in Evergreen Burial Park, New Philadelphia. Following the committal, there will be a luncheon served in the Winfield Church. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday 5 8 p.m. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Tracy, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the Toland-Herzig website.

The family suggests that contributions in Tracy's memory be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH 44622.