Murel Ray Newton, age 83, of Leitchfield, KY, passed away Thursday, (December 29, 2025) at Calloway County Hospital in Murray, KY. He was born on May 9, 1942 in Leitchfield, KY, the son of the late Harlan Ray Newton and Nora Mae Logsdon Mercer.
In his younger days, he was a farmer who loved life on the farm with his wife and daughter. They raised tobacco, hay, pigs, cattle, crops, and horses. He had a knack for trading and riding horses. He had a true love for music, picking the mandolin and guitar as a member of the Caney Creek Ramblers.
He never met a flea market he didn’t like and was always looking for a good find. He took pride in raising beagle dogs for rabbit hunting. More than anything, he loved being a Papaw to his granddaughter and great-grandsons. He was a member of the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America and New Freedom Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Cook (Vance) of Princeton, KY; granddaughter, Jessica Rae Mercer (Adam) of Kuttawa, KY; great-grandsons, Hatton Wilkins Mercer and Camden Ross Mercer; step-great-grandson, Jackson Braun; and a sister, Martina Cockriel of Leitchfield, KY. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Marie Newton; a brother, Harrell Newton; and a sister, Christine Black.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, (January 4, 2026) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bro. Davy Norris will be officiating. Burial will be in the Williams Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. on Sunday until time of services.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Williams Cemetery Fund account located at the Cecilian Bank or to Williams Cemetery c/o Shartzer 1828 Shrewsbury Rd. Leitchfield, KY 42754.
Online condolences can be made in the guestbook on our website at www.dermittfuneralhome.com.
