Obituary of Charles Russell Newcomb Jr.

Charles “Chuck” Russell Newcomb, Jr., 84, of West Liberty, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence will be deeply missed.

Chuck was born on April 27, 1941, in Canton, Illinois, the son of Russell and Christine (Failer) Newcomb. His family moved to West Liberty in 1946, where he later graduated from West Liberty High School with the Class of 1959. Shortly after graduation, Chuck proudly served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962, including 19 months stationed in Korea.

On September 2, 1962, he was united in marriage to Louise Rabe at Cedar Valley Church. Together they built a beautiful life and shared 62 years of marriage.

Chuck worked for several implement dealers in West Liberty and later at Louis Rich Foods. For the past 39 years, he owned and operated Henderson’s Upholstery and Shoe Repair in West Liberty. Known for his skill and creativity, Chuck could fix just about anything and took great pride in restoring and beautifying furniture.

He dedicated himself to his community as a 40-year member of the West Liberty Fire and Ambulance Department and was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, and Jaycees. He was a faithful member of Cedar Valley United Methodist Church for over 50 years, serving on various committees throughout the years.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Louise; daughter Chris (Jim Johnson) Newcomb of Clarksville, Iowa, daughter in law: Lisa Newcomb of West Liberty; and grandchildren: Sean Newcomb, BJ (Sarah) Newcomb, Zach (Leslie Torres) Newcomb, Chelsea (Jake) Theobald, Chantal (Travis) Staley, Chandra (Connor) Kline, Cole (Andrea Gibbs) Hampton, and Chaise (Hallie) Hampton. He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Jacob Newcomb, Logan and Libby Newcomb, Lucie Torres, Jack and Wally Theobald, Brycen and Raycen Staley, Brylee and Kinzley Kline, and Dutton and Caliber Hampton.

Chuck is also survived by his brother, James “Jim” (Jeanna) Newcomb of Cedar Falls, and his sister, Carol (Thomas) Satke of St. Louis, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Curt.

A memorial visitation will be held Monday, July 14, 2025 from 1 to 4 P.M. with a celebration of life to be held immediately following at 4 P.M. at the West Liberty Community Center.  Private family interment will be in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, West Liberty.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to WL & Rural Township Fire and EMS Association. 

The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty is caring for Chuck and his family.