Duane Paul Newman, 63.
Duane Paul Newman, age 63, passed away in the arms of his son, daughter-in- law, and the love of the Lord Jesus Christ the morning of Sept. 17, 2015 in his home. He lived in Orlando, Fla. for 13 years with his son Dustin and Nikki Newman, and grandsons Tyson, Bryce and Izaiah.
Duane was born in Waverly, N.Y. to Clifford and Rebecca Bill Newman as a premature child with a strong will to survive. Duane was second born having two sisters and one brother, Debbie (Jan) Cole, Danette (Dave) Reis and youngest brother Daniel (Lindsey) Newman.
In his earlier years Duane lived in upstate New York, graduating from Owego Free Academy Class of 1970 and attended Tompkins Cortland Community College where he touched many lives and met his wife Kathryn. In their 21 years of marriage they were blessed with three beautiful children, Dustin (Nikki) Newman, Kristin (Gray) Masencup, and Kecia (Allen) Ham. His legacy will naturally outlive him through his beloved six grandchildren, Izaiah, Bryce, Tyson, Brooke, Edward, and newborn baby Abigail.
Duane had many friends he impacted throughout his years in upstate New York. He enjoyed the majestic falls, county fairs, music festivals, competing with the Owego Fire Department’s New York State Championship Hose Team, and loved the outdoors. Duane and his father shared many moments while working together as Cliff Newman and Son Auction Service.
In 1982, with the help of his brother Dan, the Newman clan moved to Spring Hill to raise his family in sunny Florida. Duane had numerous jobs (automotive, construction, and golf course maintenance) throughout his life but the most important one to him was being a loving dad and “Pops”. He provided his children with small town values by coaching little league, leading Boy Scouts, being active in the Church and participating in Father / Daughter Dances. He had a love for sports, tailgating, dancing, bowling, billiards, Halloween, and BBQs with his family and friends. Duane was a spiritual man that loved the peaceful morning sun, dew covered grass, a cup of coffee and a pen. He wrote many beautiful poems and prayers that will be shared for many generations.
Duane’s spirit and soul will forever shine down on his loved ones, including Doris Blackman, nephews BJ and Adam Cole, Joshua Reis, niece Lorelai Newman, great-nephew Caleb Cole, great-niece Emmy Cole, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family knows he is watching over them, all with baby blue eyes and a huge smile that always lit up a room. “Shine bright Duane.”
A memorial service celebrating Duane’s life will take place Saturday, Sept. 26 at Deer Run Country Club in Casselberry, Fla. from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with Pastor John Evans. Also, on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the Moose Lodge in Owego, N.Y. from 4 to 7 p.m. with a service at 7 p.m. with cousin, Pastor Alan Bill officiating.
Arrangements were entrusted to Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey, Fla.
