Waller Jerome Newby

Waller Jerome Newby, a follower of Christ and extraordinary family man, died unexpectedly as he was leaving work on Friday, September 14, 2012. He was 79. Waller was born in Wichita on April 18, 1933, the youngest of five children, and grew up on his parents dairy farm near Wichita. His early years on the farm helped shape his ongoing love of the outdoors and his strong work ethic. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in civil engineering and later a Masters of Mechanical Engineering Degree from WSU. He joined the Boeing Company where he was still employed up until his death. During his 52 years there as an accomplished engineer and businessman, he accepted many unique assignments, some of which took him across the United States and to foreign countries. He served in the Air Force for 3 years and retired from the Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel. Along with his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Jean (Enegren) Newby, now his surviving wife of nearly 59 years, they built a close and loving family. Their circle of family and friends is a tribute to their shared dedication to the values they held. As a faithful and active member of Westlink Christian Church, Northwest Christian Church and in all areas of his life, he engaged in his true passion for sharing Christ and the love of Christ with those he met and befriended. He was never too busy to sit down with someone in need of comfort and was regularly called upon for advice by those of all ages. “He acted as a true father-figure to so many younger people,” said his daughter, Julie Newby. “Each decision he made, personally or for his family, was dictated by his relationship with Christ. Every day he showed us Gods love by the way he led his life.” He was a regular at the YMCA where he worked out, at his beloved WSU basketball games and his grandchildrens activities. “He always carried his briefcase for work, his briefcase for church and his gym bag,” said Phyllis. He gave great hugs, grew amazing tomatoes in the garden that he loved, cheered for the Boston Red Sox and was passionate in his devotion to his family and church. Waller was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Myrtle (DeLair) Newby; sister, Elsie Carley, and brothers, Virgil and Ronald Newby. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; five children, Dr. Randy Newby (Mary Beth), Kim Newby, Kelly Anderson (John), Julie Newby, all of Wichita, and Dr. Cory Sise (Matt) of Hawthorn Woods, IL; brother, Jerry Newby of Wichita; grandchildren, Cortney Woodruff (Justin) of Wichita, Dr. Cameron Ledford (Emily) of Durham, NC, Sarah Dugan (Brent) of Wichita, Ryan Newby of Nashville, TN, Dylan Newby, Laurel Anderson, Madison Anderson and Drew Anderson, all of Wichita, Henry Sise and Abbigale Sise of Hawthorn Woods, IL; great-grandchildren, Braeden Dugan, Conley Ledford and Kenadie Dugan. Visitation with the family, 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 18, Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Memorial Service, 2 p.m., Wednesday, September 19, Northwest Christian Church. Private family interment. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Northwest Christian Church, 10850 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67205.