Charles Donald Newman, 87, of Huntsville, passed away Wednesday, August 21st. Don grew up in Birmingham, but moved to Huntsville in 1961 after graduating from Auburn University and serving in the US Army. He retired from NASA in 1994, having worked in the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. He married Rebecca, his wife of 54 years, in 1964 and together they raised their three children Elizabeth, Lawson and Wesley. Don was a member of First Baptist Church from 1961 until his death. There he developed many lifelong friendships and faithfully exercised his gifts of service and leadership. He helped found the church’s Single Adult Ministry, coordinated Sunday school classes, completed many projects with the volunteer construction team, planned and lead several mission trips to Canada and served in many other ways. As a member of the Huntsville chapter of The Gideons International, Don worked with other local businessmen to spread the Gospel in the Madison County area. Don was also a member of the Madison County Republican Men’s Club. His family, friends and neighbors knew him as a good-natured, helpful and caring man who was not only interested but involved in their lives. With his quick wit and keen, self-deprecating sense of humor, Don put others at ease and quickly made new friends. Through his willingness to invest his time, resources, knowledge and skill to help others, Don’s life was a testament to his love for the Lord.
Mr. Newman was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W. Newman and Bertie Lee King Newman, and his siblings, Virginia Betts, Ralph Newman, and Robert Newman.
Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Newman; children, Elizabeth Newman, Lawson Newman (Andrea), and Wesley Newman; grandchildren, Abigail, Caroline, Pierce, and Henry Newman; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Friday August 30 at First Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow in the chapel with Dr. Travis Collins and the Rev. Mark Seanor officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Gideons International (www.gideons.org/donate).
