Johnnie Hubert Newland

May 14, 1934 - June 29, 2021

RICHMOND, Ind. – Johnnie Hubert Newland, age 87, of Richmond, Indiana, died Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born May 14, 1934, in Hindman, Kentucky, to William and Grace Combs Newland, Johnnie lived in Richmond most of his life, but had also lived in Venice, Florida, and Mission, Texas. He graduated from Richmond High School. Johnnie worked at Wallace Metal Products, was co-owner of ABC Door Co. with his brother-in-law, Elmer Ray Wilmot, and was the owner of Newland Construction Company. He also served as a fire fighter with the Richmond Fire Department from 1960–1980, becoming chief in just under nine years which was unprecedented at that time. Johnnie was also the first white fireman to integrate into the all black fire station. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the former St. John Lutheran Church. Johnnie loved bowling, playing softball, deer hunting, and fishing, including participating in bass tournament championships. In addition, he enjoyed gardening, working jigsaw puzzles, reading Western novels, and dancing, especially square dancing and jitterbug. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Laura Fredonna Wesler Newland; daughter, Debbie Newland (Patty Beam); son, John Newland (Doug McIntosh); sisters-in-law, Opal Newland and Janet Newland; brother-in-law, Elmer Ray Wilmot; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Nell (Pearl) Goins, Electra (Jim) Mattey, Betty (Jim) Carlton, Minnie Lee (Skeet) Wilmot/McDaniel, Lena Newland, Curt Newland, Boone Newland, Jack (Chris) Newland, and Earl Newland. Visitation for Johnnie Hubert Newland will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 2, 2021, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Rev. Cliff Nunn officiating. Burial will be in Lutherania Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County, 1717 South L Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.