Waylan William & Nelda Marguerite Newman

Waylan William Newman was born September 17, 1934 in Mobeetie, Texas to Lilie and Johnie Newman. He died on July 16, 2016 following a fall.

Nelda, the feisty cheerleader and Waylan, the handsome athlete attended Mobeetie High School. After being friends for most of their lives, they married on August 6, 1954 and began their life together. This coming August they would have celebrated their 62nd anniversary.

After their marriage, they moved to Clarendon, TX where their daughter Ann was born. Later their son, Larry, joined the family, and they lived in Fritch, Wheeler, Borger and Abilene and raised their children in Lubbock.

Nelda was a faithful loving daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, mama, great-grandma, aunt, sister, neighbor and friend. She loved little children and often babysat for family and friends. She was a stay at home mom most of her life, although she sold Avon and was a member of the Ballinger school staff where she was highly respected and deeply loved. Nelda had a love for music, writing poems and songs, spending time with her friends and teaching God’s little ones for many years in Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and Mother’s Day Out.

Nelda always had time for a phone chat, funny story or a laugh with family or friend. Life was not always easy, but she was strong and leaned on her Christian faith, husband, family and friends in times of joy or sadness. Nelda’s legacy will live on in the many lives she touched. Her family will always treasure her songs, laughter, wisdom, nurturing and compassion.

Waylan was a faithful and loving son, husband, daddy, daddy-in-law, grandpa, paw-paw, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. He had a love for sports and taught many young men the disciplines and team essentials in baseball and basketball through the years. He enjoyed watching sports on TV and attending sporting events and playing on the church softball team with his son. Waylan was in the grocery business since college. He worked for Buddy’s Supermarket, Ideal, Waples Platter, White Swan, Ben E. Keith and Albertsons. He was a highly respected and motivated businessman throughout his career. He faithfully served as the Shopping Center administrator for Highland Baptist Church after retirement.

He always had time to help family, friend, coworker or church member. He often visited the sick in the hospital and the elderly in their homes. He lived a life of sacrifice and hard work for his wife, Nelda, children and grandchildren. He was very compassionate to his parents to the end of their lives, and faithfully stayed by his wife’s side until her last day on this earth. His family will treasure him always and remember all the games played, laughter shared, wisdom, love, compassion and sacrifices made. His legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren and all the many lives that he touched.

Both Nelda and Waylan were faithful servants of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and were members of Highland Baptist Church. Waylan also served as a deacon since the 1960’s.

Nelda was the last of her eight brothers and sisters so there is a joyful Barton Reunion going on in heaven. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Jack Barton, Leon Barton, Opal Dixon, James Barton, Jr., Bennie Barton, Doris Townsend, Janie Williams and Barbara Joyce.

Waylan was the oldest of five children. His parents and his precious sister, Sue Ballard, preceded him in death.

Nelda and Waylan are survived by their son, Larry Waylan Newman of Lubbock; daughter, Anna Marie Hepburn and Mark of Schertz, TX.; granddaughters: Alicia Cox and B.J. of Lubbock, Elisa Elivo and Alex of Austin, Katie Schneider and Jon of Aledo; grandsons: Jason Newman of Lubbock; Brian Hepburn and Amanda of Schertz; Michael Hepburn and wife Brittany of San Antonio and Stephen Hepburn and girlfriend Ashley of Schertz. They were loved and adored by their great-grandchildren: Madison, Kinzley, Harper, Vivienne, Kaiden, Kyler, Caleb, Liam, Ayden and one precious one to be born in December. 3 brothers also survive Waylan: Kenneth of Memphis, TX, Don of Garland, and Jimmy of Mesquite. Numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends survive them both.

Online condolences may be made at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com. Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.