FORT WORTH – Dr. Leo Winburne Newland, age 85, of Fort Worth, TX, passed away on January 22, 2026, at home. Leo was born in Gainesville, TX, on September 15, 1940, to Leo L. Newland and Dorothy Davis Newland of Nocona, TX. Leo spent his youth in Nocona, graduating from Nocona High School. He continued his education at Texas A&M University, earning his B.S. degree in Plant and Soil Sciences. Afterward, Leo went on to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he graduated with an M.S. and PhD in Soil and Water Chemistry. Leo joined the faculty at Texas Christian University in 1968, culminating his long career in the Biology, Geology, and Environmental Sciences Departments with the designation of Emeritus Professor. Across his distinguished career, he taught and mentored countless students, many of whom remained in touch over the years. Always fascinated by cars, Leo focused his attention on the BMW Marque. He was active in the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA) and served in many positions at the local, regional, and national levels. Leo was instrumental in establishing the BMW CCA Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting teen driving safety and preservation of the Marque. Leo traveled extensively for both professional and recreational experiences, visiting most of the USA states and Canada, as well as many other corners of the world, including Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and other European countries, and New Zealand. Along the way, he made many, many good friends. Leo was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Walton L. Newland and James C. Newland; and his nephews, Jimmy Newland and Jerry Newland. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marian; his nieces, Debbie Newland Youngblood (Don) and Lana Newland Serna (Jeff); his nephews, Richard Newland (Donna), and Terry Newland (Eileene), and their families. He also leaves behind many close friends and colleagues. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Robert Carr Chapel, on the Texas Christian University campus, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held in Nocona, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: The TCU Department of Environmental & Geological Sciences, TCU Box 297044, Fort Worth, TX, 76129; or The BMW CCA Foundation, 190 Manatee Ct, Greer, SC, 29651;or a favorite charity GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-336-0584
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