Kenneth L. Newman, 65, of San Angelo, known as “Poppi” to his children and “Newman” to everyone else, entered into eternal life January 6, 2014.
A memorial service will be held, 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 10, at the First Presbyterian Church of San Angelo with the Reverend Bill Proctor officiating. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home.
Newman was born, December 4, 1948, to Frank and Lois Newman in San Angelo. He graduated from Central High School; San Angelo College, and then received his Master of Education degree from Angelo State University. While attending Central High School, Newman was a member of the 1966 State Champion football team coached by the great Emory Bellard. He played alongside Randy Stout, Gary Mullins, Darrell Kirkham and Rudy Izzard and remained friends with his teammates for a lifetime.
Newman married Kathy Jo Hardegree on July 18, 1980. This was the beginning of their careers as educators in Eldorado and where they raised their two daughters, Gentry and Emily.
Newman was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado where he served as Elder and later became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of San Angelo where he served as Deacon.
He was a teacher, counselor, and administrator for over forty years from grades kindergarten through high school. Specifically, he was principal and counselor in the Schleicher County Independent School District for more than two decades and most recently as an administrator with the Veribest Independent School District. He currently was serving as elementary principal after being their high school principal for 6 years.
He was not only concerned about the education of the children, but also their needs and emotional well-being. When he saw a child sitting alone he would make sure someone sat with them. Sometimes that meant he would sit alongside them.
Newman had an impact on many lives including both students and teachers. His influence will be seen for generations to come due to his mentorship, friendship and guidance.
Newman had a love and passion for many things such as the beautiful Devil’s River, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and gardening. He was a master gardener and he never gave up on a plant, just like he never gave up on his students. He was a true lover of God’s creations.
Newman had many qualities that we cherish to remember. He was a hard worker that persevered to the end. He was fun loving, matter of fact, had a unique sense of humor with a smile on his face. Newman would always tell his girls that he loved them more than once, but would never say goodbye. He would leave them notes expressing encouragement and pride. He spent countless hours and traveled many miles to support his girls with whatever endeavor they were involved.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lois Newman.
He is survived by his wife Kathy; daughter, Gentry Leigh Fields and husband Tanner of New Braunfels, daughter Emily Katherine Newman of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Mickey and husband Scott McGregor of Eldorado; nieces Angie and husband Steve Plemons of Midland, Caty and husband Will Pickett of Fort Worth; mother-in-law, Bettye Hardegree of Sonora; Aunts Francis Newman, Eddie Mae and husband, Gregory Economidis of San Angelo.
The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the nurses of ICU at Community Medical Center for their professionalism and genuine care of Newman in his last few days.
Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice.
The most useful asset of a person is not a head full of knowledge but a heart full of love and hands willing to help.
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