Newton Lilborn “Smokey” Sloan

Newton Lilborn “Smokey” Sloan died peacefully at home on his 90th birthday, November 7th, 2022 in Boulder Montana.

Newton, also known as "Smokey", was born in Potosi, November 7,1932, to John Chester and Ellen Baker Sloan, the sixth of nine children. After high school, he joined the Navy, which was a family tradition, as both his father and elder brother had served during W.W. I and W.W. II. He spent 23 years in the Navy as an electrician, having proudly served the majority of his time on the supercarrier, USS Kitty Hawk, as well as other ships. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer Electrician’s Mate.

After retirement, Newt relocated to Helena, Montana, attracted to the scenic beauty, “elbow-room,” hunting and fishing. (Some suspect he was getting as far away from the ocean as possible, having had enough of that!) Over the years he worked as an electrician at the smelter as well as other places in and around Helena. “Smokey” was the quintessential outdoorsy guy, with a lot of “handyman karma.” He knew how a lot of things worked and truly enjoyed the challenge of pitting himself against the elements.

Newt is survived by his son, Darryl (wife JoAnn), of San Diego, his grandson, Nick (wife Sara), of Kaneohe, Hawaii, and a brand-new great granddaughter, Ripley Jean, born last July. Surviving siblings are Judy Heeter (Richard) and Larry Sloan, both of Potosi. He was preceded in death by his older sister, Doris Evans Casebolt, of Helena, and siblings Monroe, Lillian, Imogene, Norma and Tommy in Missouri.

Newt was married to Jynell Henry of Potosi, Alice Wages (deceased) of Helena, Montana and Marie Beveridge, with whom he enjoyed 27 years of marriage until her death in 2017. He had relocated to Boulder, Montana, with Marie and they liked small town living, socializing at the Boulder Senior Center, attending concerts in the park, gardening and caring for their beloved dog, Pokey, who was Newt’s constant companion until his death. Newt was a member of the First Presbyterian Church congregation in Helena and later, Grace Community Fellowship.

“Smokey” was particularly proud of his grandson, Nick, who was appointed to the Naval Academy at Annapolis and played football for Navy. He traveled to Nick’s commencement ceremony and was bursting with pride to give him his first salute upon graduation in 2016.

The family is grateful to Kathy Falzerano and other Boulder friends and neighbors who volunteered for dog walks and helped out whenever needed. Special thanks go to Mark Kishbaugh, Physician’s Assistant of the Boulder Clinic, who made Newt’s life more tolerable during the last few weeks of his illness.

Services are pending and will be announced at a later time through ASW Funeral Home. Burial will be with military honors at Fort Harrison in Helena.