Josh Newcomb Born: 9-12-86 Murdered: 2-10-10

by Michelle Johnson
(Owensboro, Kentucky)

Joshua Newcomb, age 23, died at his home on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010. Josh is survived by his parents, John and Michelle Johnson; and a sister, Jessica Newcomb, all of Owensboro; his son, 4 year old Devin; a daughter, 2 year old Dusty, both from Evansville, Indiana; Grandparents: Sue and Norris Dodson and Benny and Rickey Johnson all from Evansville; Grandfather, Charles Newcomb of Henderson, Ky., an aunt, Dana Goodson; and cousins, Charlie and John Goodson also from Henderson and an uncle, Tony Johnson of Evansville, Indiana.

Josh was a bright, funny, kind and caring person. I never knew just how many friends Josh had until the day of his memorial service. Hundreds of people came to show their respect. Josh made friends easily. We had only lived at our current location for a few days and Josh had already made at least a dozen friends. Josh loved animals, especially his dog Chance, he loved racing his RC car, shooting his paintball guns and playing his music loud with the bass turned up as far as it would go, but most of all he loved his family and friends. He will be missed more than I could ever express in words.

I wrote the first 8 lines of the following poem on the day Joshua was born. The rest of the poem was written on the day Josh was killed. I read it as part of his eulogy during his memorial service on February 13, 2010.

To My Beloved Son Josh

Finally the day came that all could see on angels’
wings God brought you to me.

How joyous the time I first looked upon you,
my fondest dream before my eyes coming true.

A tiny child and mine to keep.
So grand you were it made me weep.

Mother loves you, now and ever more
until my life from this earth is torn.

Who knew this poem would take 23 years to complete.
Who knew from birth to death you would have me beat.

It’s not supposed to go this way
but God would have a different say.

On angels’ wings you came to me, even then,
God knew for long it would not be.

You were torn from our lives in the blink of an eye,
but now you reside with the Almighty on High.

I know that this is my time to mourn, I will miss you son
until my life too from this earth is torn.

Forever and Always,
Love Mom