Leonard Bernard Newman's Obituary
Leonard Bernard Newman was born March 16, 1962, in San Antonio, Texas, the second child of Roosevelt Sr. and Gladys (Hawkins) Newman. After a tour in Europe when Leonard was a young child, the Newman family settled in Washington State, where Leonard attended Keithley Middle School, Bates Technical College, and Pierce Community College.
Leonard was very good in football. As a young man, he worked delivering papers for the Tacoma News Tribune. He was a faithful member at St. John Baptist Church in Tacoma, where Leonard served as an usher and sang in the Male Choir and the Mission Choir. In the last years of his life, Leonard found his church home at BibleScope Center Church of God in Christ in Spanaway, joining the choir and rededicating his life to Christ.
In his leisure time, Leonard enjoyed fishing, bowling, and traveling. He loved watching sports, especially Dallas Cowboys football. Leonard loved family gatherings. Christmas and New Year’s were his favorite times of the year. Those who knew Leonard will remember his willingness to serve and help others, his infectious laughter, and his love for his family.
Leonard passed away peacefully on December 13, 2014. He was 52 years old. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff and doctors at St. Joseph Medical Center, who took excellent care of Leonard and kept him comfortable in the final days of his life. Although Leonard will be missed greatly by his family and friends, we know that he is at peace and has gone on to live with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all eternity. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. – Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
Leonard was preceded in death by his father, Roosevelt Newman Sr. He is survived by his mother, Gladys Newman; his daughter, Alicia (Justin) Moore; four siblings, Betty Guthrie, Jarvis (Samaya) Newman, Roosevelt Jr. (Heather) Newman, and Michael (Emily) Newman; nine nieces and nephews, Robin, Brionna, Jaquada, Essence, Joseph, Tui, Gabriel, Roosevelt III, and RaQuan-James; three grandchildren, Jalen, Justice, and Jayda; two great-nieces, A’Niya and Za’Laiyah; and a host of cousins and friends.
Viewing at New Beginnings Church of God in Christ, Tacoma, 10:45 – 11:45 am on Friday, December 19, 2014. Celebration of Life at New Beginnings Church of God in Christ, 12:00 noon. Interment at Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, 2:30 pm. Repass at New Beginnings Church of God in Christ immediately following interment.
What’s your fondest memory of Leonard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leonard?
Share a story where Leonard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leonard you’ll never forget.
How did Leonard make you smile?

