Roy William Newman, 75, a longtime resident of the Belle/Bland area, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.
He was born on May 11, 1951, to the late Clarence Newman and Lillian (Erhardt) Newman in Chicago, Ill.
He and his family moved to a farm outside of Bland, when he was 12, and he graduated from Bland High School in 1970. Roy was the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jason Newman.
He had a passion for cars and a mechanical mind that led to a lifelong career as a mechanic and autobody professional, where he loved the challenge of taking something seemingly beyond repair and making it new again. This love for restoration also extended into his personal and spiritual life where he found a passion for spreading the gospel and helping others overcome their own seemingly insurmountable obstacles on their path to becoming a better version of themselves and a better servant to their Creator.
Roy served as deacon and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for over 50 years. He served as trustee of the Gasconade Valley Baptist Association and was a longtime volunteer at the Baptist Association Church Camp. Roy was dedicated to bringing joy and ministry to others through many service-based organizations, including Campers on Mission, Operation Christmas Child and many others.
He loved his family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Roy was preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Lillian; and siblings, Ralph Newman, Alan Newman and Rose Mae (Newman) Hartmann.
He is survived by sons, Jared Newman of Belle and Jason Newman and wife, Emily Doucette of Eugene, Ore.; grandchildren, Paige, Brynn and Laine Newman; partner of 24 years, Anita Turner of Union; siblings, Paul Newman, Art Newman and wife, Sheryl, Jimmy Newman and Martin Newman; his Erhardt cousins, church family and extended family and friends.
Services were held Saturday, June 6, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Bland. Interment was in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to Roy’s church home, Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle.
