Mark Steven Newton

Mark Steven Newton ("PowPow"), 65, of Wichita, passed away unexpectedly on July 20, 2026, at his happy place - Pomme de Terre Lake in Pittsburg, Missouri.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Vera Newton, and his brother, Randy Newton. He is survived by his wife, Laurie Newton; his daughters, Karissa (Max) Brandt and Kassidy Newton; his brother, Richard (Lori) Newton; and his cherished grandchildren, Levi and Josie.

Before beginning a long and successful career in the aircraft industry, Mark was a fishing guide, allowing him to spend every day doing something he truly loved. His passion for aviation began at an early age, earning his pilot's license when he was just 17 years old. He loved to fly but eventually found this to be too expensive of a hobby!

Throughout his career, Mark held many positions and many companies in the aviation industry - too many to list, though he could have named every one of them if you asked. Most recently, he proudly served as a DER (Designated Engineering Representative) for companies including Textron and NIAR. He took great pride in his work and earned the respect and friendship of many colleagues who became lifelong friends.

Mark's fascination with and love of airplanes never faded. No matter where he was, if Mark heard an airplane overhead, he would stop, look up, and immediately tell you exactly what kind it was. This was entertaining - unless you were trying to watch a movie with airplanes in it. He couldn't help himself; he still had to lean over and share the information.

Mark had many interests throughout his life. When his daughters were growing up, he was a devoted softball dad who rarely missed a game. He seemed to know a little about everything and always had an answer for the endless questions curious kids could dream up.

He also loved attending car races with his daughters and friends. He knew everything about the cars, the drivers, and the tracks, but he enjoyed the track food and people-watching just as much. A night at the races was time well spent.

Mark enjoyed movies, country music, hunting, and spending time at the shooting range. He loved a good BBQ and loved grilling and smoking just about anything. He could cook a mean steak and became somewhat famous among family and friends for his smoked cream cheese. It wasn't unusual to find him watching YouTube videos to learn a new recipe or cooking technique that everyone knew would make an appearance at the next family dinner.

Above all his hobbies, fishing was his greatest passion. Any opportunity to be on the water was a good day for Mark. He shared his love of fishing with his daughters, family, and many friends. Fittingly, his final day of fishing was spent fishing alongside his three-year-old grandson, Levi - doing what he loved most with one of the people he loved most.

As much as Mark loved his hobbies, nothing compared to his love for his family. Weekly family dinners with PowPow at the grill and the cheerful "good morning" texts he faithfully sent to "his girls" EVERY single day will be deeply missed.

Mark was proud to be a husband and father, but his greatest joy in life was being "PowPow" to Levi and Josie. They brought him endless happiness, laughter, and pride.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 7, at 10:00 a.m. at Cozine Life Events Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Missouri Hunter Safety, c/o Missouri Department of Conservation, Donations, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102 CLICK HERE and Kicks for Kids, c/o Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis (GFFT), 6100 E. Central, Ste. 3, Wichita, KS 67208 CLICK HERE