Harold Newton Krages, known as Newt, 68, of Fellsmere, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2021 in Fellsmere, Florida.

Newt was born on August 29, 1953 to Henry J. Krages “Hank” and Doris Sheaffer Krages in Washington, D.C. Newt grew up in College Park, Maryland with his siblings, Sonia, Tosca, Johnny and Michael and many cousins. He attended High Pointe High School in Beltsville, Maryland and Lake City Community College in Lake City, Florida, where he graduated with a degree in landscaping.

After graduating high school, Newt moved to Georgia, and then to Florida for college before settling down in Sebastian, Florida to start his career in golf course management. While working for the City of Sebastian & building the golf course, he met & fell in love with Debbie and her two daughters, Brooke and Michelle. He and Debbie married on August 7, 1982. And in 1985, they welcomed their daughter, Nicole. They were married 39 years before Debbie passed away April 8, 2021.

Newt helped build and design with Charles Ankrom, the original Sebastian Municipal Golf Course. The noted championship course was built in 1981 on a 155-acre plot that was owned by the airport. Newt was hired on as the superintendent & construction supervisor while it was still under construction and helped build the final 6 holes on the back. He ran and maintained the course for a few years until he was sought after by Geoffrey Pearsaul for another project. He left the Sebastian Golf Course to build and design along with Geoff, the Summit View Golf course in 1985. The Summit View officially opened in 1986, and Newt worked very hard to help run and maintain that course for its entirety. His love of the sport and dedication made it one of the best par 3 courses in the state. The Summit View is where he met many of his lifelong friends that slowly became family over the years. All three girls spent many of their younger working years working at the golf course as well, growing their appreciation for their father’s work ethic and exuberant personality. The Summit View sadly closed its doors in 2007, and Newt was the last one to lock the gate and hand over the keys to the new owners.

Newt was inducted as a Free Mason by his father, Hank Krages in 1992. He was an avid golfer, loved to fish, especially beach fishing, shoot pool and hang out with friends. Newt was a social butterfly and loved being surrounded by his friends. He didn’t know a stranger and wasn’t necessarily the life of the party, but he certainly added spice wherever he went.

Newt was an amazing example of what a dedicated loving and loyal father and husband should be. He taught his girls to stand up for what they believed in and never back away from a fight. And to always keep a smile on your face, even when you are angry. His favorite piece of advice was, “Never eat yellow snow!”

Newt was preceded in death by his loving parents Hank and Doris Krages, brother Johnny Krages, sister Sonia Short, and wife Debbie. He is survived by his daughters Brooke (Patrick), Michelle (Dean) and Nicole (Chris), his 5 grandchildren; Sophia, Ethan, Ryleigh, Adam & Carter; his sister Tosca Simms, brother Michael, brother-in-law Bill Short.

Newt’s family would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation for all the love and support that you’ve given him throughout the years and have also given them during their time of mourning.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to VNA of the Treasure Coast 1110 35th Ln, Vero Beach, FL 32960 (or your local VNA Hospice) or the Indian River Golf Foundation, 4595 22nd Ln, Vero Beach, FL 32966.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. For service information, please contact any of Newt’s children.