Edwin Newman

Edwin Dee Newman Trussville AL

Edwin passed away peacefully Tuesday Oct. 25, 2022, at the age of ninety-two. Survived by his loving wife Elizabeth T. Newman - they were married for 66 years as of October 20th. No one could have ever asked for a sweeter, kinder, more gracious father. He loved us unconditionally no matter what. His mother-in-law, Annie Tucker said he treated her like she was his mother too. Dad grew up on the family farm in Fayette Co., AL. He was no stranger to hard work. His father died when dad and his twin brother, Edward were fourteen. They and their mother worked the farm alone until older brother Jack came home from World War 2 more than a year later. Dad and his twin brother Edward served in the Big Red One -1st Infantry division-33rd Field Artillery U.S. Army in Germany in 1952-54. Dad was promoted to corporal in his artillery battalion and was offered an opportunity to go to Officer candidate school. He declined in order to get back home and take care of his mother. He and Edward moved to Birmingham where both joined the Birmingham Fire Department. Both were promoted to lieutenant and served for 30 years. Dad and Edward, along with their nephew Jimmy Young and other firemen, built houses for over 40 years. The brothers both were master carpenters, and they took pride in building a house that would last and serve their customers well. “Do everything as unto the Lord” was their defining standard. Dad built a relationship with his customers. That included not only concern for the quality of their new home but the state of their relationship with Jesus. Dad never hesitated to inquire after the spiritual needs of his clients in a kind manner. Dad never preached at people. He simply shared his faith and love of Jesus. Some clients became lifelong friends and others were repeat customers. We spent many hours listening to Dad sing in the choir. He served for over 50 years. First at Lake Highland Methodist, then Huffman Assembly and lastly at Cathedral of the Cross. His final church home was Faith Community Fellowship in Trussville where Dad was a founding member and a Board Member Emeritus. He also spent 16 years visiting and ministering to people in several local nursing homes. He loved animals and children and assisted Mom in the nursery for over 15 years. Dad was a faithful follower of Jesus, and his life was spent quietly in service to his Heavenly Father. His family, friends and neighbors all knew him as a kind, caring, and devoted family man who could be relied upon for humble counsel and assistance. Dad's last conversation was with the nurse who admitted him when he asked her if she knew Jesus. Thank you, Dad, for leading us in the paths of righteousness and for showing us that the Lord should always be the center of our lives. He is in Heaven right now rejoicing with his sisters, brothers, parents, and others who have gone on before us. He is survived by his daughter Amanda N. Cook (Jack) of Avalon CA and a son Jonathan (Nancy) of Trussville, also grandchildren Jackson Cook (Sara), Elizabeth Cook Merchant (Michael), and Carley Newman and a great-granddaughter Emily Jane Merchant and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be Monday at Jefferson Memorial at noon with visitation at 11. We would love for you to come and celebrate Dad’s life.