Gerald R Newman Sr

Gerald R. Newman, Sr.

Jerry Newman never met a stranger. From the first hello, he had a way of drawing people in - with a quick joke, a twinkle in his eye, and a talent for innocent flirting that left everyone smiling. On September 9, 2025, at the age of 89, he left this world much the way he lived in it: surrounded by love, remembered with laughter, and impossible to forget.

Born on July 30, 1936, in Cleveland, Oklahoma, to Bessie and Rufus Newman, he grew up alongside his siblings and best friends: Dona, Bob, Larry, and Everett. After graduating high school, he served his country in the U.S. Army, completing basic training in El Paso, then heading to Germany with the artillery division, and later working in transport near Bordeaux, France.

Athletics were his first love. With scholarships in both football and basketball, he joined the basketball team immediately after his Army service. A spinal cord injury cut short his playing days, but he refused to let it dim his spirit. After rehabilitation at the VA hospital, he continued his studies at the University of Denver, where he stayed close to the action as a football equipment manager and hockey trainer. Sports remained a lifelong passion, he was a dedicated golfer, an armchair coach for the Denver Broncos, and an unshakable fan of the Oklahoma Sooners.

Work took him many places: summers at the Mile High Kennel Club, construction with Martin Marietta on Titan missile silos, piping projects at Cheyenne Mountain and in Norfolk, VA, a stint with Stearns Rogers, and finally, a long career with Gates Rubber Company in Denver, CO. After retiring, he gave back by driving neighbors and strangers alike to their medical appointments, happy to swap stories along the way.

But his true joy was people. Whether on the golf course, watching a game, sharing a meal, or just going for a drive, he made friends everywhere he went, and once you were his friend, you were his friend for life.

For the last 38 years, Jerry and his partner, Suzanne Handler, shared a life of love, extensive travel and a large circle of friends and family. They happily spent their winters in Arizona playing golf, dining out with friends and neighbors and enjoying a multitude of great adventures in the Valley of the Sun. Jerry will be forever missed by all who knew, loved and greatly respected him for his kindness and his courage.

He is survived by his children G. Robbins Newman, Jr (Carol), Samuel Wallace Newman (Yvette), and Christine Newman Jones (Gary); his life partner Suzanne Handler; stepsons Brad Handler (Emeri) and Brent Handler (Kirsten); grandchildren Jacob, Rachael, Bailyn, Tavi, Eden, Davis, Micha, and Eli; his sister-in-law Nancy Newman; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.

Services will be held in Colorado on Friday September 19 at 11am at One Hope Church, 5301 S. Federal Circle, Littleton, CO 80123 and in Oklahoma on Friday September 26 at 11am at Chapman Black Funeral Home, 108 West Delaware Street, Cleveland OK 74030, where he will be laid to rest in his hometown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at https://give.bcrf.org.