Jefferson Ward Spotlight

Kevin Newton

(Ward Executive Secretary)

Describe yourself in one or two paragraphs:

My name is Kevin Newton. I’ve lived in Utah most of my life. 

I served an English-speaking mission in the Indiana Indianapolis mission. Before and after my mission I attended the University of North Florida. However, I transferred to BYU to complete my degree in accounting. While attending BYU, I met and married my wife Jessica. We have two sons – ages 3 years old and 4 months old. For a profession, I’m a CPA and help people with taxes. 

How long have you lived in the ward?

I’ve lived in the ward for four years.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Utah until I was twelve. Lived in Georgia for about a year. Then completed middle school and high school in Jacksonville, FL.

What are a few of you favorite pastimes and hobbies?

I love video games! I’ve played all kinds. So hit me up if you want to play some time. I also love movies. Specifically, one of my favorite things to do is go to the movie theater. Nothing like popcorn at the theater.

What is your favorite breakfast food?

This depends on my mood. It’s a tie between French toast, a breakfast casserole, or just bacon.

What is your favorite book?

I feel obligated to say the scriptures, but I’m going to put those to the side in my answer. That being said, no other set of books have changed my life the way the scriptures have. My favorite book has to be a set of books – the Harry Potter series. I can read that series over and over. I grew up on them, so I have a great affinity for those books.

What do you like most about our ward?

We have good people. People are genuinely kind and care about your welfare.

What do you like most about church?

The sacrament is my favorite part. It’s a beautiful ordinance that gives me an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of my Savior.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I’ve probably had more embarrassing moments than this, but this comes to mind. I was in a car dealership’s service-center lobby waiting for my car’s oil to be changed. I felt a disturbance in my nether regions that told me I probably needed to go to the rest room. However, I knew that my car was probably going to be ready soon and I could leave. So, I decided to hold it in. I'm usually pretty good about holding it. Number one or number two – doesn’t matter. 

I was doing pretty good for a while. But finally, I needed to stand up to really concentrate on the task. I took a step back away from the group of other customers to be sure my concentration wasn’t broken. Despite this, the pressure continued to mount even with me standing. Finally, I couldn’t hold it any longer and KACHOW! PLOP! PFFFFT! The loudest fart I have ever released entered that lobby filled with other patrons. Lucky for me – it was just air and didn’t really smell.

I was pretty embarrassed.

Do you have a unique conversion story, what is it?

As background, I come from a single-parent home. My mom grew up in the church, but wasn’t really involved in it while growing up or after. In fact, she was excommunicated in her twenties. As a child, religion and God weren’t talked about much. Despite her experience (and, I would assume, apparent uninterest), she allowed me to be taught by the missionaries when I was eight years old. Not long after, I was baptized into the church. Thankfully, my mother was rebaptized into the church while we were living in Georgia.

What are some of your favorite foods?

Chick-fil-A. I don’t want to cause controversy here, but I want to go on the record and say that Chick-fil-A’s sandwich is hands down better than any sandwich that Popeyes can make. I’m sorry, but I just prefer to eat a chicken sandwich that isn’t dry.

What are some foods that you hate?

Peas. The texture and taste of dirt. Celery. When I get these with my wings, I feel insulted. Raisins. The worst part of any trail mix.

What is one of your dream vacations?

I want to drive across the country and visit as many states as I can.

What is the scariest thing you have done?

White water rafting. Once I realized what could happen to me, I was terrified.

Jefferson Ward EQ Spotlight

Ron Willes

(Elders Quorum Secretary)

            I was born and raised in Lehi, Utah. My sister  and I grew up on a 20 acre farm, We raised celery, wheat, barley, sugar beets . I must say that we had a wonderful childhood. I could ride my bike and motor scooter all over. we didn't lock our homes or cars.

           I attended Lehi schools and tried out for the football team but I was to small 95 lbs. I wrestled in the 121 lb class and lettered.I had some great close friends in high school, five of us would drag main and chase around together. My first car was a 1952 Ford.My Senior year I went to Provo Tec for a Electrical class for half the day. After high school I joined the Army National Guard and spent 2 months at Fort Ord California and four months at Ft Belvor Virginia, We were able to go into Washington DC and tour all the historical sites.

          Went to Cedar City to school for 1 1/2 yrs. Called to serve a mission in the Southwest British Mission June 1962 to June 1964. Met LuJane two weeks after I got home from my mission, we dated  for a year and a half and were married January 20, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple.We lived in Pleasant Grove while I went to school at the Provo Tech,  graduating with a associate  Degree in Refrigeration and Air Condition. Got a job with Sears as a Refrigeration Tech. 

         We moved  to Salt and lived in a apartment on Paxton Ave for two years.We moved into our home here in Murray, June of 1969 Where we have lived for the past 51 years.  We have raised seven children, four daughters, two are twins, three sons, We are blessed to have 25 grand children and 3 great grand children. 

         After Working for Sears for 31 years 11 months and12 days I retired in May 1998.  We have traveled to England twice, Went to China, went on a Alaska cruise and Christmas in Branson, American Heritage/L.D.S Church History tour. Served as a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Jordan River for over 10 years. Served as Bishop of the 19th Ward.  We served as Missionaries in the  Nauvoo Temple for 18 months, We had church callings at the Metro Jail in the women's unit for 40 months.  In my spare time  I like to ride my bike and spend time with our kids and grandkids