Gary D. Newman

Monday, January 31, 2011

Gary D. Newman, 76, of Asheville, N.C., formerly of Lafayette, passed away Monday, Jan. 17, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his family. A native of Putnam County he was son of the late Leonard Coy and Mildred D. Leap Newman.

He graduated from Fillmore High School in 1952, honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1956 and later attended Purdue University. On June 28, 1958, he married Diane Shoemaker; they divorced in 1985. After working 25 years at Lafayette Bank & Trust, he retired in 1987 and moved to North Carolina. He married Carolyn Carson Bowers Hyde on June 25, 1989 in Asheville.

Gary loved everything Mother Nature had to offer, and when he was still able, hiked the Smokey Mountain Parkway on an almost daily basis. He was a voracious reader of history and world religions, often reading three or four books at a time. He also enjoyed photography, watching sports -- especially Purdue basketball games -- playing cards, preparing breakfast and "yakking" -- as he called it -- about current events. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and positive outlook on life.

His survivors include his wife, Carolyn Newman; daughters, Michelle Newman Van Horn and husband Brian, and Jenny Newman; son Eric Newman and wife Beth; step-daughters, Terri Bowers, Pam Suarez and husband Kim and Paula Ray. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Scott Newman and wife Kristen, Ryan Newman, Chelsea Brown, Jessica Van Horn, Emma Claire Hoffman, Jami Ray and Christen Ray; and five great grandchildren, Eli Newman, Kristopher Newman, Skyler Newman, Connor Thibodeaux and Adrienne Thibodeaux. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Kent Newman.

A private family memorial service will be held this spring in Asheville. Those who wish to do so may contribute a memorial gift in Gary's name to "Friends of the Smokies," P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764-7660, or at www.friendsofthesmokies.org/help.html

The family would like to thank the staff at Care Partners Hospice for their kind and compassionate service during his illness.