Donavon Newnam, 87, Minot died Friday, December 27, 2019 in a Minot hospital.

Donavon Arthur was born on November 25, 1932 in Mountrail County, ND to Zelnoe and Susie (Lindley) Newnam. He grew up in Mountrail County until moving to Minot with his family while he was in the seventh grade.

Donavon attended Minot Public Schools until starting a job with the Great Northern Railroad. He worked in the roundhouse and car shops until he was drafted into the US Army on March 12, 1953. He served his country overseas in Germany until his honorable discharge on March 3, 1955.

Donavon returned to North Dakota and attended the ND State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. He completed his degree in auto body restoration in 1958.

Donavon was united in marriage to Adeline Hamilton on November 2, 1958 at the Church of God in Minot. They made their home in Minot. Donavon worked between the automotive and railroad industries for many years. He found his niche at Westlie Motor Company in the body shop prior to opening his own business in 1983, Don's Body Shop, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2001.

Donavon was a member of the Lighthouse Church in Minot. Aside from his love for cars, Donavon enjoyed traveling, riding motorcycle and spending time with his family.

Donavon's family includes his wife Adeline, Minot; children Calvin Newnam, Minot, ND, Bonnie (Mark) Peters, Cassadaga, NY, Byron (Michaela) Newnam, Minot, ND, Nancy (Fred) Seroski, Billings, MT, Anita Mekus, Fredonia, NY, and Jack Newnam, Fostoria, OH; grandchildren Holly Peters, Angelina, Hailie, Grace and Caleb Mekus, Wyatt and Westley Newnam; great grandson Noah Donavon Strusa; siblings Zelma Mull and Audrey Cordner, both of Minot, ND along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Phyllis Sand, Doris Gliege and Gloria Polsfut, nephew Steve Cordner and niece Cathy Nielsen.

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2020 at West Minot Church of God, Minot, ND
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, January 2, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Lighthouse Church for missions or to an organization of the donor's choice for local charities.

Donavon Newnam Flowers