Douglas Ronald Newton

Douglas Ronald Newton

September 15, 1942 – April 2, 2026

Doug Newton, 83 years old, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, surrounded by love and a lifetime of memories well lived. Born on September 15, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, Doug lived a life defined by faith, service, hard work, adventure, and a deep devotion to family, friends, and community.

From an early age, Doug demonstrated leadership, determination, and integrity. One of his proudest achievements as a young man was earning the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor that reflected values he carried throughout his life. Athletic and competitive, Doug was involved in nearly every sport, but football became his passion. He excelled on the field, earning high school All-Conference and All-State recognition and the honor of playing in the Colorado All-Star Game. He went on to play football at Colorado State University, an experience he cherished deeply.

Most importantly, while at Colorado State, Doug met the love of his life, Vivian Kerr, who attended the University of Colorado nearby. Doug graduated in 1963 from Colorado State with a Business degree, laying the foundation for his professional career. On August 1, 1964, he married Vivian, and their partnership was one of unwavering devotion, laughter, and shared purpose. In less than seven years, their family grew from two to six with the births of their four children: Brett, Brooke, Stacey, and Dayna - Doug’s greatest pride.

In 1967, Doug founded Ketal Oil Producing Company, the first of several successful oil and gas related ventures with operations in Oklahoma and Colorado. A respected leader in the Fort Worth oil and gas industry, Doug was deeply involved in professional and civic organizations, including the Fort Worth Petroleum Club, the Petroleum Landman Association, and Wildcatters. His community involvement continued throughout his life with many other organizations, including Rotary International, Colorado State equine advisory board, and Red River Valley Foundation.

In 1972, Doug and Vivian moved to Keller, Texas to raise their family in a more rural environment. The kids developed a love of animals, including horses. Eventually, Rocky Top Ranch was formed, and all four kids showed Paint horses with national success in the show pen and leadership roles in state and national youth clubs. Rocky Top also built a successful breeding program featuring two APHA stallions. The ranch was alive with colorful mares and foals, and Doug found joy in all aspects from watching his kids show to enjoying the foals playing in the pasture.

After their kids were off to college and starting families of their own, Doug and Vivian founded Rocky Top Therapy Center in 1990, combining their love of horses with their love of helping people. Over 22 years, the therapy center provided hippotherapy for challenged individuals, the “Right Trail” program for at-risk youth, and “Horses for Heroes” for veterans. Through the many Therapy Center activities, including the popular Great Trail Drive fundraisers, Doug and Vivian built lifelong friendships with dedicated families, volunteers, and donors. Doug often reflected on this chapter as one of the most blessed and meaningful times of his life.

Doug and Vivian chose Red River, New Mexico as their “retirement” spot. Red River held a special place in Doug’s heart, and he loved spending time at their cabin entertaining family and friends. Always a great cook, Doug loved to BBQ and grill meals for Vivian and visitors on his deck overlooking the river. The mountains brought Doug peace and renewal. He loved the people, the community, and the simple joy of never meeting a stranger.

Doug is preceded in death by his grandson, Nathanael Kennedy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian Newton; his children, Brett Newton, Brooke Wing, Stacey Kennedy, and Dayna Frie; his grandchildren, Dakota Wing, Alexa Newton, Emory Hammad, Ashlyn Newton, Madison Frie, Sydney Cory, Kendra Frie, and Chyanne Wing; his great-grandchildren, Wrenlee Jo Wing and Yesiah Hammad; and his sisters, Kathleen Woeber and Nina Horgan; along with many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at a future date in Red River, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Red River Valley Foundation (rrvfoundation.org), continuing Doug’s lifelong commitment to community, compassion, and service.