Mr Newton J. Slaughter Jr.

Newton J. Slaughter Jr. Newton J. Slaughter Jr., affectionately known to many throughout his life as Newton Keeton, entered eternal rest on June 8, 2026. Newton was born on May 25, 1953, in Waco, Texas, to Newton J. Slaughter Sr. and Dorothy Glynn Burns Slaughter. He was the second son born to the family, joining his older brother, David Earl Keeton, who was eleven months his senior. During his formative years, Newton lived in Canton, Ohio. The family later returned to Waco, Texas, where he continued his education at J.N. Jenkins Elementary School. In September 1964, Newton, his brother David, and several neighborhood children became part of local history as some of the first African American students to attend the newly integrated La Vega Independent School District. During his youth, Newton’s mother, Dorothy Glynn Burns Slaughter, married Kelly B. Keeton in Waco, Texas. Through this union, Kelly became a father figure in Newton’s life, and Newton adopted the Keeton surname, becoming known to family, friends, and the community as Newton Keeton. The family later relocated to Austin, Texas, where Newton continued his formative years. The family also welcomed Kelly Renee Keeton, who was adopted by Kelly and Dorothy and became Newton’s younger sister. While living in Austin, Newton developed a friendship with a neighborhood friend who would later become Dallas Cowboys legend Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson. Following enhanced federal identity verification requirements implemented after September 11, 2001, Newton learned that he had never been legally adopted. He was subsequently advised to resume the use of his birth name, Newton J. Slaughter Jr., which remained his legal name thereafter. Nevertheless, throughout his life he was known and loved by many as both Newton Keeton and Newton Slaughter, carrying with him the legacy of both families that helped shape the man he became. Newton proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he dedicated many years of service to the City of Lovington, New Mexico, where he became a respected member of the community and built lasting relationships with those he served. Faith was a cornerstone of Newton’s life. He faithfully served as the Youth Leader at Macedonia Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Reverend M.L. Barry, where he invested in the lives of young people and supported the ministry through tireless fundraising efforts. He later worshipped at Powerhouse Church of God in Christ under the late Pastor Robert Anderson and most recently attended services virtually at Christ Cultural Center NYC under the leadership of Reverend A.R. Bernard. Newton possessed a remarkable gift for connecting resources with people in need. Known throughout the Lovington and Hobbs communities for his generosity and compassion, he worked diligently to secure donations from food banks, businesses, and community partners. He often loaded his vehicle and personally delivered food, household items, and necessities to individuals and families, never seeking recognition for his acts of kindness. Helping others was simply who he was. On January 3, 2013, Newton married the love of his life, Vivian Slaughter. Together they built a life grounded in faith, friendship, family, and love. Music was one of Newton’s greatest joys. Family and friends knew that if Newton was thinking about you, a song or music video might soon appear on your phone. Whether it was gospel, soul, old-school classics, or a song carrying a message he wanted to share, music was one of the ways he connected with the people he loved. Newton was known for being direct, honest, and unapologetically himself. You never had to wonder where he stood. He spoke his mind, stood firm in his convictions, and remained authentic throughout every season of life. His strength of character, generous spirit, unwavering faith, and commitment to family and community leave a legacy that will continue for generations. Newton was preceded in death by his parents, Newton J. Slaughter Sr. and Dorothy Glynn Burns Keeton; his father, Kelly B. Keeton; his brother, David Slaughter; his sister, Kelly Renee Keeton; his son, Troy DeWayne Keeton and his beloved grandchildren, Ky’eire Barefield, DeAnthony Johnson, Courtney Purvis, and Antonio Purvis. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Vivian Slaughter; his children, Stephanie Keeton, Joseph Keeton (Jasmin Keeton), Jessica LaShea Mackey, Alicia Keeton, son Paul Mason and his nephew David Keeton Jr. He is also survived by his sisters, Roberta Evans (Morris Evans), Dianne Johnson (Ralph Johnson), Wanda Slaughter, Juanita Slaughter, all of Waco, Texas, and Vanessa Smith of Austin, Texas; and his brothers, Matthew Miller (Carol Miller) and Mark A. Slaughter (Lakisha Slaughter), both of Waco, Texas. Newton was a proud grandfather to Aujulon Mackey, Jalen Mackey, Kiara Mackey, Kali Glenn, Kaliah Glenn, Abriana Abeyta, Ariana Abeyta, D’Antray Abeyta, Curshawn Johnson, Deshawn Johnson, Lyric Keeton, Christopher Huggins Jr., Christiyannie Huggins, and Parker Joelle Keeton. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Marcel Mackey, Malakai Mackey, Za’Layah Abeyta, and Nadia Aguirre. Though our hearts grieve his absence, we rejoice in the gift of his life. Newton’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the family he loved, the communities he served, and the faith that sustained him. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Mr Newton J. Slaughter Jr.

May 25, 1953 - June 8, 2026