David E. Newman

David Eugene Newman, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, was born on October 18, 1929 and passed away at home on November 26, 2019. He was one of three children born to Ernest Ivan Newman of McMinnville Oregon and Minnie Wint Newman of Jell City Indiana who met and married in Los Angeles California.
David was born in Long Beach California, attending Jane Adams Elementary School, Lindbergh Junior High School, and Jordan High School, graduating in 1947. He also attended Long Beach City College. During his junior high years he had four paper routes. In high school he worked at the Food Bowl Market and Long Beach Camera Exchange.
He got his first car, a 1936 Ford, while in high school. This was the beginning of his lifelong interest and knowledge of the car industry. He attended many car and recreational vehicle shows. He owned many cars and several RVs during his lifetime.
After his schooling, David worked for a neon sign company then Burndy Engineering Company before becoming a switchman and then an engine foremen for the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1952. He retired from the railroad with 38 years of service. Shortly after retirement he and his wife Ruth moved to Grants Pass Oregon in 1991.
David and Ruth Elizabeth Halloran of Northeast Pennsylvania were married in Bellflower, California in 1965. Ruth passed away in Grants Pass in April 2014.
David was raised in church and made a commitment to serve the Lord when he was 15 years old and was faithful to Jesus Christ until his passing. He played the trombone in a brass quartet as a teenager, playing in many churches and revival crusades. He had a wonderful baritone voice and served as worship leader at Long Beach Assembly of God for 15 years.
Throughout his life he served in other areas of church ministry, including Sunday School Teacher, President of the Christian Single Adults Group and church board member. After retirement he volunteered for the Assembly of God MAPS (Mission America Placement Service) program. For 15 years David installed sound systems in 63 churches throughout the United States.
David leaves three nephews – Donald, Ray and James Perris, all of California and his wife of two and one half years, Ida Elizabeth Riley Newman of Grants Pass Oregon.
A memorial service will be held at Hull and Hull Funeral Home Chapel Friday, December 6th at 2:00 O’clock.