Benjamin Parker Newsom, Jr., 85, Columbus

Benjamin Parker Newsom, Jr., 85, of Columbus passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023, at his home while under the care of Hospice. He was born on June 19, 1938, in Bartholomew County to the late Benjamin Parker Newsom, Sr. and Mildred M. Foust Newsom. He was married to Martha A. Baker on November 13, 1965.

Parker was a 1956 graduate of Columbus High School and afterward attended Purdue University. He served in the U. S. Army where he was stationed in Korea during 1962. Parker was a member and regularly attended Memorial Baptist Church where he served as an usher and greeter.

As a lifelong farmer, Parker raised purebred hogs, sheep, and a variety of crops. His passions for both agriculture and helping others led to his involvement in many organizations where he served in various leadership positions. Throughout the years, Parker served on the Bartholomew County 4-H Fair Board for 11 years, the 4-H Council, Bartholomew County Purebred Breeders Association, and the Bartholomew County Pork Producers Association.

Parker believed in the importance of community service. This was evident through his service as a member of the Flatrock-Hawcreek School Board and as the Democrat Precinct Committeeman for Flatrock Township for over 40 years.

One of Parker’s favorite activities was auctioneering, which he did for over 50 years. He was a member of the Indiana Auctioneer Association and was a well-known auctioneer in the county. Parker was an auctioneer with Keller-Newsom Auctions, which sold many household and real estate sales for 35 years. Later in life, Parker was a partner of Boewe-Newsom Auctions. He loved working with the Auction TEAM and serving his clients and auctiongoers. Meanwhile every summer, Parker volunteered his time and talent to help local 4-Her’s by auctioning off their livestock at the annual 4-H Livestock Auction.

In his later years, Parker appreciated the care and services he received from the many doctors, nurses, and medical workers.

He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather to his family, and they will miss him dearly. Parker is survived by his wife, Martha A. Newsom, of Columbus; daughter, Lenna M. (Jeffrey) Schroll, of Crawfordsville, IN; son, John Parker (Stacey) Newsom, of Plymouth, IN; brothers, W. T. Newsom, of Demotte, IN, and J. Randall (Ann) Newsom, of Lebanon, IN; and grandchildren, Clinton N. Schroll, and Benjamin W. Newsom.

Parker was preceded in death by his parents, B. Parker Sr., and Mildred Newsom, and a grandson, Parker J. Schroll.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 15 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Kristi Jones officiating the service. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 14 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to Memorial Baptist Church (2320 7th St.; Columbus, IN 47201), Clifford Fire Department (P.O. Box 57; Clifford, IN 47226), and Bartholomew County 4-H Fair (P.O. Box 342; Columbus, IN 47202 – Write “Parker Newsom Memorial” on the memo line.)

You are invited to view his video tribute, leave a message of condolence to the family, and light a virtual candle of remembrance online at www.jewellrittman.com.