Kenneth ''Buster'' Newbern, 72, of Edenton, N.C., a retired district manager, died Dec. 7, 1992, in Norfolk. Mr. Newbern was born in South Norfolk, Va., and was a Baptist. He had retired from Frito-Lay Co. of Norfolk after 35 years. He had served in the merchant marine during World War II and was a member of American Legion Post 1981 in Edenton.