Dr. W. Neal Newton, a dentist in Webster Groves for 48 years and a former president of the Missouri Dental Association, died Monday (July 19, 2010) at Bethesda Dilworth in Oakland. He was 83.

Dr. Newton had been injured in a fall and was being treated for pneumonia and blood clots, his family said Wednesday.

He taught pediatric dentistry for nearly 20 years at Washington University School of Dentistry. He retired to avoid any possible conflict when one of his sons enrolled, recalled the son, Dr. Greg Newton of Webster Groves.

Dr. Newton's father also was a dentist, in Red Oak, Iowa.

Dr. Newton graduated from Washington University dental school in 1951. That's where he met his future wife, Nancy, a former Miss Farmington who was studying to be a nurse.

They moved to Germany while he served as an Army dentist. He left the service as a lieutenant colonel.

They returned to St. Louis with a new son and a dachshund named Pfaff. He had a habit of running away and causing trouble. Dr. Newton explained that the dog spoke no English, only German.

He opened his practice across from Straub's market on West Lockwood Avenue.

At 39, he became what was described at the time as the youngest president of the Missouri Dental Association. As president, he became an advocate for fluoridation of water.

He also was elected president of the International College of Dentists, an honorary organization. Washington University named him a distinguished alumnus.

When a friend's granddaughter was diagnosed with brain cancer, he became one of the founders in 2000 of Rainbows For Kids. He also volunteered with Rock Hill Ministries and sang in church choirs. President Richard Nixon named him to an advisory board on the health of American Indians.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In addition to his son, the survivors include another son, Scott Newton of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a sister, Joy Nickell of Jackson, Tenn.; and three grandchildren. His wife died in 2005.