ROBERT LOREN "BOB" NEWSOME, 81, of Crisfield, died Sunday, October 4, 2009 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury.

Born in Edwardsville, Virginia on July 31, 1928, he was a son of the late Robert James and Heddie France Newsome. He had been making his home in Crisfield since 1946.

A graduate of Heathsville High School near Edwardsville, he was a retired Cable Splicer for the former C&P Telephone working 22 years until his retirement in 1970. More recently, he was a courier for McCready Hospital in Crisfield for more than five years.

He was a member of Mariners United Methodist Church and the Crisfield Lions Club. He loved flying model airplanes, and in his younger years, enjoyed hunting.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Matthews Newsome; his daughter, Shelley Spencer of Crisfield; his sister-in-law, Nancy Newsome; his brothers-in-law, Frank Collins and wife Bonnie and their son Brent, and Donald Matthews and wife Rachel and their son Donald, Jr., all of Crisfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ed and Joseph Newsome.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 9, 2009 at 2 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield where friends may call one hour prior. The Rev. Steve Willing will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be sent to National Kidney Foundation of Maryland, 1107 Kenilworth Drive, Suite 202, Baltimore, Maryland 21204.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com