Frank Robert Newman

Frank Robert Newman passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Tuesday afternoon, October 25, 2016. He was 84 years old. Beloved husband of Judith Noll Newman for over 30 years. Loving father of David “Chip” Newman (Cathy), Janine Newman Durabb (Cpt. Walter Durabb), Nancy Newman Wymer (Timothy), David Eric Williams, Kim Williams, Kathleen Libman (Jon), and Matthew Williams (Gina). Grandfather of Bill Newman (Christina), David Newman (Cassie), Leah Newman, Robby Newman, Scarlett Thiele, Brett Thiele, Dylan Libman, Taylor Libman, Collin Williams, Madison Williams, and Julian Williams. Great-grandfather of Scott and Kace. Brother of the late Frances Labyorteaux and Betty Jane Gump. Son of the late Frank C. Newman and Mildred Parks Kauffmann. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews in California and Ohio. Frank was a native of Cincinnati and has been a resident of Louisiana since his adolescence. He was a proud graduate of Metairie High School, lettering in both football and track. He later graduated from Loyola University New Orleans where he was a member of their award winning track team, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame later in life. He was also Commander of the Loyola ROTC at the time of his graduation. After college, he was commissioned into the United States Army in 1955 as Second Lieutenant and served in a career function until his retirement in 1980 as Lieutenant Colonel. During his time in the service, Frank directed joint multi-service staff sections charged with policy-making, planning, and programming for the activities of subordinate elements. He held managerial responsibilities at the executive level for personnel, administration, operations, training, and logistics. He developed and implemented human relations, public affairs, and community relations programs. He completed extensive assignments involving associations with allied forces and foreign governments, including planning and organizing national-level programs for urban and rural development. He worked intimately with the Department of State and agencies of the Executive Branch at the Washington D.C., level, with members of Congress and U.S. embassies abroad during the negotiations of the Panama Canal Treaty. He was also a foreign affairs specialist for Latin America, and the Executive Assistant and Senior Aide to the Commander-in-Chief, Southern Command, the senior general officer in the U.S. Army. Besides the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, he was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star. After a successful business career with manufacturing plants in Reserve, LA, he taught JROTC at Booker T. Washington, Hammond, and John F. Kennedy High Schools. Frank retired from High School education in 1998 after 18 years of teaching. While still in the Army, Frank played professional baseball in Honduras and then continued his love for athletics in retirement. “Bud” as he was known to his teammates and friends, played in over 40 baseball leagues and competed in senior track events throughout the New Orleans metro area well into his 60s. Frank remained active and competitive even in his later years of life. Frank Robert Newman was a man of love, kindness, integrity, and acceptance. We salute him and honor his true goodness. His love for his family, friends, mankind, and all animals will be forever remembered. He is and always will be … an officer and a gentleman. The family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff of Canon Hospice, who selflessly cared for Frank in his final days. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the celebration of his life at LEITZ-EAGAN, 4747 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie, on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 12:00 noon. Visitation will begin at 10:30 in the morning. Interment will follow in Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell. An online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.