Clarence "Coach" Newton, of Yates Center, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021 in Clearwater, Kansas.

Coach was born August 17, 1933 to Roger and Mary (Cole) Newton in Neodesha, KS. He attended Neodesha schools until finishing his high school career in Caney, Kansas. He participated in football, basketball and track. He earned all SEK honors as a 6'1, 170 lb. half back and served as co-captain. His basketball career consisted of multiple double-digit scoring games, but primarily excelled as the rare player who could foul out in the first half! Highlighting his track career was setting the Caney High School record running the 100 yard dash in 10 flat on a cinder track without starting blocks; a record that lasted for over 40 years!

After graduation from Caney in 1951, Coach attended Coffeyville College, playing halfback in football and forward on the basketball team. He played basketball for Jack Hartman who later coached at Kansas State University. The following year he joined the United States Air Force for 3 years. While stationed in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada he married Betty Jean Osborne, a native Canadian.

After serving in the military, he re-enrolled at Coffeyville College, with his most memorable moment being the opportunity to play and win the National Junior College Championship in Los Angeles, California. His coach wasn't big on compliments but later wrote him a note stating he was the best running back he ever coached.

He completed his post secondary education at Pittsburg State University earning a bachelor's degree in education.

In 1960 he began his career at Stark, Kansas, teaching American History and Physical Education. He coached 6-man football, girls basketball and track.

In 1962 he took a teaching job at Yates Center, Kansas. He taught Physical Education, Health and Psychology. In addition, he coached football and track, serving as either head or assistant. He also coached freshman boys basketball. As a football coach he loved coaching defense and was a devout believer in the single wing offense. Along with his other responsibilities he was the athletic director for several years.

Coach retired from Yates Center High School in 1995. In retirement he enjoyed his dogs and horses, visiting his children and grandchildren and living the dream that is retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Mary Newton; his sisters, Juanita Winder and Ethel Wilson, and a brother, Bill Newton.

Coach is survived by his sister, Dorothy Haines; his daughter, Tracey Newton Dickey; sons, Clay, Chris and Curt; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at High Prairie Cemetery near Altoona, KS. Come and Go Visitation will be held 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at Campbell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Yates Center High School Athletic Fund and may be made in care of Campbell Funeral Home, PO Box 188, Yates Center, KS 66783.

Military honors will be done by the American Legion Honor Guard of Chanute.

MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE REQUIRED AT THE VISITATION AND GRAVESIDE SERVICE.