George William “Bill” Newton

January 24, 1937 – January 2, 2024

Bill Newton, a longtime lawyer in Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in his home on January 2, 2024. Born in Perry, Oklahoma, on January 24, 1937, Bill played Maroon football, basketball, and baseball. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was a “walk-on” member of the football team and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Attending OU, Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1959 and then in 1962, a Bachelor of Laws Degree. After 12 years practicing on his own, he joined forces with John O’Connor. Together, they formed a legal practice that evolved into the firm of Newton, O’Connor, Turner & Ketchum in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bill received the Tulsa County Bar Association’s Golden Rule Award for outstanding contributions to the legal profession, for having the highest of ideals, and a willingness to mentor other aspiring lawyers.

Bill served his community for many years as a member and leader of Sunrise South Rotary Club of Tulsa and the Rotary Club of Southeast Tulsa. Bill and his wife, Janie Lou, were longtime members of the First United Methodist Church, where Bill regularly served as a Sunday School teacher.

Bill also served as the first attorney for the Perry High School Alumni Association and served on the board for many years. In 2009 he was named as a Perry High School Alumni Association Honor Roll Member.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Janie Lou Newton in April 2012, his parents G.D. “Ted” and Elizabeth (Woods) Newton, and his brother Jack D. Newton.

Bill was blessed with three children and 10 grandchildren. Son Ted Newton, with wife Amy, reside in Norman, OK, with their four children (Jonathan, with his wife Mandy, Nicolas, Analynn and Sullivan Newton); daughter Jan (Newton) Girouard, with husband Chris, reside in Tulsa, OK, with their three children (Christian Mattox, with husband Glenn Mattox, and Katie and John Paul Girouard); and son Jon Newton, and wife Ashlee, reside in Norman with their three children (Porter, Maggie, and Gracie).

Services will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 12:00, Southwood Colonial Chapel, with a reception immediately following. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.