Newel Wayne Beauchamp passed away Friday morning, March 12 at Midland Memorial Hospital following courageous battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.Newel was born on May 22, 1927 in Midland to Newel B. Beauchamp and Sephrena Webb Beauchamp. Sephrena passed away when Newel was two. His father and Dessie Kiser married when Newel was four and she became his loving mother. He was proud to be descended from a Midland pioneer family and two men, father and son, who fought in the Republic of Texas Army. One of these men fought at the Siege of Bexar and both at the Battle of San Jacinto. Newel and Constance Marie Powell were married March 1, 1979, recently celebrating their 25th anniversary. They were blessed with one son.Newel had worked primarily as an accountant and in the heating and air conditioning field. He and his father had owned an environmental control business. In more recent years Newel and his wife, Constance, bought older residential properties, remodeling, repairing, and renting them. Newel was a 1945 graduate of Midland High School and was happy to have briefly attended the University of Kansas. He later graduated from a business college with an associate degree in accounting. Newel volunteered for many worthy causes, among them Meals on Wheels, several projects over the years at St. Ann's church, and he was a Scout Master, involved in teaching Citizenship Merit Badges. Newel was also a Kentucky Colonel, having been commissioned by the Governor of Kentucky in 1990, in recognition of his service to others. Newel's hobbies included gardening, genealogy, reading, and travel. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed being on-line at his computer several hours a week.He is survived by his wife, Constance, and son Andrew Newel Beauchamp. Survivors also include two sisters, Marie Tutten of Houston and Inez Thomas of Midland, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.Vigil services will be held March 17, 7:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Those wishing to eulogize Newel are invited to speak after a brief prayer service. Funeral Mass will be conducted by Father Rodney White Thursday, March 18, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church followed by burial in Fairview Cemetery. St. Ann's Alter Society will host a luncheon for family and friends after the services, in the Parish Reception Center.Please direct memorial contributions to St. Ann's Boy Scout Troop 84, 1908 W Texas Ave., Midland, TX 79701 .Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
