DIXON – Murray E. Newcomer, 94, of Dixon, died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at KSB Hospital in Dixon. He initially was employed at Gambles Hardware Store. Later, he worked at Lawton Brothers Dairy, where he was in charge of ice cream production. In the 1970s, Murray purchased and ran the Pinecrest Cheese and Gift Shop on White Pines Road.

Murray was born July 19, 1918, in Buffalo Township in Ogle County, the son of Harry A. and Lenora (Travis) Newcomer. He married Dorothy L. Sargent of Kasbeer on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a cannoneer with the 717th Tank Battalion in the European theater of operation, and fought at the Battle of the Bulge in Germany.

Murray was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Dixon and the Rock River Grange, and a life member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Dixon Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed playing the guitar and mandolin in a small combo that played at square dances. Murray also enjoyed traveling to such places as Europe, Haiti, and Mexico, spending winters in Florida, playing bridge, and doing jigsaw puzzles.