James Donovan McNew

James “Don” McNew, was 85 when he went to his heavenly home. Don was born on January 16,1938 in Wichita, Kansas to Alva and Geneva Lacy McNew. He was raised in Wichita, attended East High (1956) and graduated from Baptist Bible College, Springfield, Missouri, with a Graduate of Theology degree (1959).      

Don served faithfully for decades as a music minister and youth pastor.  He served alongside his brother, David, in building a church in Pocatello, Idaho, where David was the pastor.  He was key in the founding of Faith Baptist Church in Grants Pass, Oregon, where he was the music minister and youth pastor.  He also worked in the office supply and stationary business to support his family.  After moving to Colorado, Don also served in the music departments of Cherry Creek Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Englewood.     

He enjoyed sports from an early age, playing basketball from junior high through college and participated in recreational softball leagues.  Don shared a deep love of both cars and motorcycles.  He was an excellent mechanic and passed that same appreciation on to those in his family.             Don had many interests in life, but primarily he focused on his family and always had time for young people.  He was never too busy to help friends, young people and often those he didn’t know. He was always generous with his time and freely shared what he had. He faithfully served God by serving others.         

Don is survived by his wife, Patricia McNew, Aurora; and children, Christa (Randy - Deceased) McNew Kincaid, Greenwood Village; Tamyra (Jim) McNew Lyon of Castle Rock, and Donovan (Sharon) McNew, Englewood, Colorado.  He is also survived by four grandsons, Garrett (Jamie) McNew, Trenton (Nicolette) McNew, Samuel Kincaid and Lucas (Monica) Kincaid; along with five great-grandchildren Ezra, William, Estelle, Emmitt McNew, and Paisley Kincaid. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Geneva; daughter, Kimberly; and brother, David.           

Interment was held at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Wichita, Kansas, on October 26, 2023.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Englewood, 3190 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113.

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