Richard “Dick” Newcomb, 76, of University Park, died Thursday, May 19, 2011, surrounded by his family at his home in University Park.
He was born May 22, 1934, at What Cheer, Iowa, the son of Charley and Ellen Stoker Newcomb. He graduated from high school in Tucson, Arizona in 1952. Following graduation he served in the United States Army where he was recognized for his excellent marksmanship. Upon his honorable discharge he completed barber college in Cedar Rapids. On April 27, 1955, he was united in marriage to Kathryn “Kate” McMillan at New Lisbon, Wisconsin; Kate died June 9, 2004. In 1959, they moved to Oskaloosa and Dick opened his barber shop. He owned and operated Dick’s Barber shop for over 52 years in Oskaloosa. In the late 1980’s he moved his barber shop into his home on 6th Avenue East. He was always proud of the fact that he operated his shop on “his terms” he did not let the local barber union tell him how to operate his shop; he was featured in the T.V. Guide for standing his ground. He retired from barbering in 2007. He felt very blessed that his daughter Pat was in town to help care for him after the death of his wife. Early on he was involved in baseball and softball helping teach his children to play. He was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. and the Eagles. He enjoyed camping, building furniture and crafts, going to the What Cheer Opera House, doing carpentry work, watching NASCAR, and his rural paper route. He delighted in spending time with his family and friends; he always looked forward to visits from his lifelong friends Marge and Ray Stockstell.
His family includes his two daughters: Penny Hinders of San Antonio, Texas and Patricia Newcomb-Probst of University Park; a son and his wife: Rick and Julia Newcomb of Colorado Springs, Colorado; seven grandchildren; many great grandchildren; a sister: Karen Feaster of Oskaloosa; and nephews and cousins.
In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother in law: Cohen Feaster.
Funeral services for Dick Newcomb will be held Monday, May 23, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Thomas Spiegel officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Graveside military rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion, V.F.W. and D.A.V. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Sunday morning after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. to greet friends and relatives.
