Melvin Newman

After seeing a glimpse of heaven and of loved ones, Jesse Melvin Newman walked over to Glory’s side on August 11, 2017. Even in his greatest physical weakness, he had the heart and will of a mighty warrior. The love of God, family, and neighbor were instilled in him by his mother and father and in turn, became etched into the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. From his love of country and duty, he served as a young sailor in the United States Navy on destroyer ships in the Pacific. From his German agrarian culture, he learned a love for the land made by the Good Lord and spent a lifetime cultivating the soil. But even greater, he spent his life cultivating human souls simply from his love and concern for his fellow human being, regardless of race, color, or creed. He led his family by the example of Christlike characteristics: he visited the sick and the needy in their respective places bringing them much encouragement and hope, and he loved his beloved wife, as Christ loves the Church. He understood his imperfect human condition, but taught his family to rely on the loving forgiveness of God. He will be enormously missed by his endearing family and a host of friends beyond what mere words can portray. He now joins his lovely soulmate, Edna Wilkins Newman, who made her eternal journey to Glory on May 4, 2012.He leaves behind his beloved family of four children: Diane Garcia; Sandy Smith and husband, James; Jerry Newman and wife, Cozelle; and Gale Richardson and husband, Jerry. Twelve adoring grandchildren: Stephanie Granberry and husband, Tim; Stephen Smith and wife, Krissi; Gregory Richardson and wife, Laura; Shawn Smith and wife, Laura; Danny Garcia and wife, Kristen; Paul Garcia and wife, Heather; Shannon Newman; Ryan Richardson and wife, Ivette; Candace Reeves and husband, David; Blaine Newman; Sagely Dill and husband, Ryan; and Lance England. Twenty-eight loving great-grandchildren: Isaac, Rylan, Jude, Liam, Allie, Grant, Brooke, Bryson, Mallory, Brandon, Rachel, Jackson, Keegon, Klayton, Maecee Rae, Roman, Athanasius, Cyprian, Ignatius, Edith, Edmund, Emma, Cooper, Milo, Autumn, Mercy, Josias, and another heirloom on the way in October, Jesse Ryker.Our father’s legacy will continue to impact and influence the lives of his family and for those he touched for generations to come; for all who come behind him will find him faithful.