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Submitted: 12/4/10 • Approved: 11/29/23 • Last Updated: 12/2/23 • R421381-G0-S3
October 7, 1888 - September 29, 1941
*Obituary
Gentry Courier Journal
Thursday, October 2, 1941
Rites Today for Marple
Newlun Killed in Joplin
James Marple Newlun, 43 years old, who moved to Joplin, Mo., about three years ago from Gentry, was shot and killed at 6:45 p.m. Monday by Lawrence W. Pitts, Joplin furniture store owner, on the sidewalk in front of Pitts' store. The shooting resulted from an encounter between Pitts, Newlun and the latter's two sons, Glenn, 23, and Carl, 17, after 18 months of trouble between the two men. Newlun was shot twice in the left side and died immediately from the pistol wounds. It is reported none of the Newluns were armed.
The elder Newlun sold his huckster business in Joplin two months ado and just returned Friday from a trip through several western states. He was born and reared in Gentry and owned many business places here from time to time.
Putts surrendered to officers after the shooting and is being held in the Joplin jail. He claims he fired in self-defense. Tuesday night a coroner's jury returned a verdict that Newlun died "as a result of a gunshot wound inflicted by Lawrence W. Pitts" but did not undertake to ascribe a motive or fix any criminal blame. Pitts did not testify at the inquest. A short time later Prosecuting Attorney Paul Bradley filed a first degree murder charge against Pitts and it was expected Bradley would recommend a $10,000 bail pending trial.
The Newlun body was returned to Gentry by Wasson ambulance. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Baptist church in Gentry under the direction of Wasson Funeral Home. Rev. R.B. Purcell, assisted by Rev. C.P. Nelson, officiated. Burial was in Gentry cemetery.
Active pallbearers were: Dan Ricketts, Dan Ricketts, Jr., White Eldridge, Paul Sugg, Leon Boles, J.R. Bever. Honorary pallbearers: Bill Richardson, Elbert Shuller, 0.G. Davidson, John Gouge, Art Steele and Buck Glass. Music was furnished by a double quartet composed of: Mrs. Dick Carter, Mrs. Roy Backer, Mrs. O.G. Davidson, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Blake, Oscar Ladd, O.W. Feemster and Callie White.
Survivors are the two sons, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.N. Newlun of Gentry; two sisters, Mrs. Leona Rasti, Lodi, Calif., and Mrs. D.G. Lynch, Modesto, Calif.; and two brothers,Lester Newlun, Lodi, Calif., and R.C. Newlun, Gentry.
Contributed on 12/4/10 by nailgal123
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Record #: 421381