Irl Sandy Newham

Irl Sandy Newham passed away on April 20, 2026 in Raymore, Missouri.

Irl was born on May 9, 1937, in Richmond, Missouri. He graduated in 1955 from Richmond High School. Irl attended Central Missouri State University, where he was a member of Acacia Fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1959. After graduating, he worked for the Jones Store and later returned to CMSU where he received his Master of Arts and became certified to teach in 1967.

Irl met his wife, Linda, while at CMSU for his master’s degree, and they were married in January of 1967.

Irl worked for the Grandview School District for 31 years, where he taught Marketing Education and was the sponsor for DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America.) In 1985, Irl earned the award for outstanding Marketing Educator of the Year for the state of Missouri. He was very much a beloved teacher, respected by students and staff alike. He was also a member of the Grandview Lion’s Club.

Irl was a troop leader for Boy Scout Troop 364 in Grandview and was also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was an avid nature lover and his favorite place to visit was Yellowstone National Park, where he and Linda took all of their children and grandchildren.

Irl and Linda have been active members of Southwood United Church of Christ in Raytown for 59 years, where Irl served in many leadership roles. He was a talented woodworker and created many beautiful and cherished items for his family.

Irl was preceded in death by his infant son, David Irl; his parents, Irl Newham and Goldie Newham-Bowman; stepfather, Henry Bowman; and sister, Bernita Elliott. Survivors include his wife, Linda; daughter, Terri Sheets (Kevin) and son, Toby Newham (Andrea); grandchildren: Jessica Koch (Tom), Gregory Sheets (Elizabeth), Samuel and Lukas Newham; and nephews, Dan Elliott (Jan) and Jeff Elliott (Jill.)

Visitation for Irl will be held on Saturday, May 23rd from 12-1pm, followed by memorial services at 1pm, all at Southwood United Church of Christ, 7904 Raytown Road, Raytown, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in his name to the church or to the American Diabetes Association.