Obituary of Don Newman

Weldon (Don) L. Newman passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020 at his home in Twin Falls surrounded by his family. He was born in Rexburg, Idaho, on July 9, 1945 to Kirby Sr. and Mildred Newman. Weldon was drawn by an immense sense of service to our country much like his seven brothers and was part of what would be called “Newmans’ Navy.” He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1962 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1966. He served two tours in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1983. Along with his brothers Kirby, George, Ed, Joe, Ray, David, and John, our father was proud of the 165 years of combined service to our country. The Newman’s were made somewhat famous when former Idaho Governor Don Samuelson declared September 20, 1967 as “Newman Day,” and just nine days later of the same year, they graced the pages of Time Magazine. Just four years later in 1971, his mother, Mildred Newman, was named “Military Mother of the Year.” What an honor and a legacy to look back on. He was proud to serve his country and always teared up when he heard the “Star Spangled Banner.” He moved his family home to Idaho after retiring from the Navy. Soon after retirement Weldon was employed by the U.S. Forest Service in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Ketchum, Idaho for 11 years. Weldon was a true family man and he was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and the twinkle in his eyes and the joy on his face said it all. “Papa,” as he was affectionately known by his grandkids, was never more full of pride than when he watched his children or grandchildren graduate from high school, college, or play any little league or high school sports games. His voice, we are sure, was well-recognized by every umpire in the state of Idaho. One thing sure to bring him joy was any excuse to be surrounded by friends and family--whether playing a round of frisbee golf with his brothers, playing 18 holes on ANY golf course with his son, grandson, nephews, and friends, barbecuing at any family reunion, playing cribbage, pinochle, or fishing….honestly, the list could go on. In fact, there are volumes of time-stamped photos that chronicle these special moments. He is survived by his devoted wife Frances of 53 years and his three children Lorraine “Lori” Rapp (Dale), Scott Newman both of Twin Falls, and Tina Myers (Jeremy) of Emmett, Idaho. He leaves his brothers John (Eileen) of Idaho and Raymond (Karen) of Utah, sisters Debbie Maxfield of Twin Falls and Barbara Jensen (Wayne) of Mexico. He was blessed with eight grandchildren (Breanna, Chase, David, Jarek, Emma, Alexandra, Tiffany, and Hunter) and three great grandchildren (Abigail, Leo, and Ray Scott). He is preceded in death by his father Kirby Sr., mother Mildred, brothers Kirby Jr, Delbert, Joe, David, George, Ed, and sister’s Loretta Newman, Peggy Anthoney, Deloris Grammer, and Shirley Sheets. Services will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church at 315 Shoup Avenue West in Twin Falls, ID, on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 10:30A.M. Cremation and inurnment are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home of Twin Falls, ID. Donations in Don's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.