David Arvesta Newell

David Arvesta Newell, 73, passed away on June 1, 2019 at his La Junta home with family and friends by his side. He was born on April 30, 1946 in Elkhart, Indiana.

He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1975 with a business degree. He lived in Lake Tahoe, CA and in Plumas County where he and Eva managed a historical bed and breakfast. He moved to Colorado in 1995 and with his historical knowledge was considered an expert and scholar of the Bent Family and the Santa Fe Trail Era.
He and Eva also had a restaurant “The Sunrise” in La Junta. David’s hobbies were photography and movie making. He made a movie in 1984 “A Trail in the High Sierra” and many films available at Bents Old Fort National Historical Site. He loved his career as an entrepreneur of history at BOF and the many visitors who appreciated his knowledge and the significate of the Santa Fe Trail Era on Southeastern Colorado.

He is survived by his wife, Eva Jepson of the La Junta home; sons, Jason of Puyallup, WA; Jonathan (Savana) of Hillsboro, OR; granddaughters, Jessica and Janell; grandsons, Ty, Jamison and Jackson; his sister, niece, great-niece and great-nephew also survive.

As per David’s request cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time and donations to the family would be appreciated to help offset the funeral expenses. He will be dearly missed.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.