Newton Crawford Youngblood

Captain Newton C. Youngblood, USN, ret. died 25 June 2026 at the age of 95 at home in Fairhope, AL. Born in Austin, in the Great State of Texas, he lived a full life of service, travel, adventure and family. A proud Tailhook pilot, he flew in the days when aviation was truly “a wing and a prayer”. He graduated from the University of Texas, in Austin, where he met his wife, best friend and true love, Donna. They were married 70 years and had two daughters, Jacki and Becky. They followed him throughout his storied career and across oceans, raised in the belief that the only football team worth rooting for was the Texas Longhorns.

Captain Youngblood’s military career was capped by his command tour in Fleet Tactical Support Squadron Fifty (VRC-50), Chief of Plans and Policy for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Belgium, and as Commanding Officer of the Navy ROTC Unit at Auburn University, Alabama. While the Tigers never ousted the Longhorns in his esteem, they did become his second favorite team. Retiring from the Navy and returning to Austin, Newt was the Executive Director of the Austin Aqua Festival, responsible for the popular two-week series of live music and sporting events along the river.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Donna (Parris), brothers Estey and Lindsey, and son-in-law Roger Arrowood. He is survived by his sister Joan Smith, his daughters Jacki Arrowood and Becky Daniel, his cherished grandson Will Daniel, and his honorary daughter Shay Jones. The Youngblood family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful Caregivers, who helped make his and Donna’s lives healthy and comfortable when they needed it most.

Sometimes impersonated, but never equaled, Newt Youngblood was an avid football fan, decorated Naval Officer, profane golfer, loving husband and exemplary father. He lived well and fully – Hook ‘em!