Jessie and Evelyn Newcomb
Together Forever

Jessie Newcomb, Jr. was born May 13, 1928 to Jessie, Sr. and Katie (Bateman) Newcomb in Trenton, KY, and passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on July 3, 2009 in Olympia, WA. Jessie is survived by his sister Leona Deason of Clarksville, TN. He is preceded in death by his brother, Charles, sisters Pauline, Annie Mae, Martha, Ruby, Lorene, and Katherine, and grandsons Charles and Chad. Jessie worked for the city of Tumwater as a heavy equipment operator for the street department from 1964 to 1990. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1948 to 1952. While stationed at Fort Lewis, WA, he met Evelyn Layton, his one true love of 57 years.

Evelyn Jeanne Newcomb (Layton) was born July 21, 1928 to George W. and Ethel (Gleason) Layton in Chehalis, WA, and passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on July 11, 2009 in Olympia, WA. She is survived by her sister Vivian Mitchell of Lacey, WA. She is preceded in death by grandsons Charles and Chad. Evelyn worked for St. Peter Hospital from 1969 to 1990.

Jessie and Evelyn were united in marriage on December 1, 1951. They are survived by their children, Marijeanne and her husband Doug, Charles, Marilyn and her husband Gary, Dan and his wife Becky, Mike and his wife Pam, John and his wife Lynda, 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. They were members of the McKenzie Road Baptist Church and Eagles Club of Olympia. Through the years, Jessie and Evelyn enjoyed listening to their sons perform country music with Jessie joining them often to sing a song or two. They were loyal Mariner fans, always counting the hours until game time. They also enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren—Jessie, better known as "Papa," had a special nickname for each of them.

Jessie battled severe heart disease for the past year with a determination to continue living his life to the fullest. A loving and devoted wife, Evelyn helped care for her husband until she was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) in March 2009. For the past four months, Jessie and Evelyn have faced the challenges of their declining health together. Holding hands through it all, the Lord called them home within one week of each other. Throughout their lives, they have taught us the true meaning of unconditional love—leaving a lasting legacy. "Mom and Dad," "Gram and Papa,"—we love you so much and you will live on in our hearts forever.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to nurse Maeve Aeolus of Providence Sound Home Health and Hospice for her gentle and compassionate care of Mom and Dad. Special thanks also to Pastor Dan and the McKenzie Road Baptist Church members for all the food, kindness, and prayers.