Franklin Newman

Franklin Russell "Bud" Newman passed away July 20, 2015, with his family by his side in Lenexa, Kansas after a short illness. Bud was born March 8, 1926 in Jefferson, Kansas. He was 89 at the time of his death. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, his parents Perry and Marie Newman, and his brother Perry Newman Jr.
Mr. Newman attended Independence schools and upon graduation from high school joined the U.S. Navy in March of 1944. He was discharged from active duty in March 1947. Most of his service in WW II was spent in the South Pacific. After discharge from active duty he joined the US Naval Reserves with continuous service until he retired in September 1984 having served more than 40 years of combined active and reserve military service.
Bud married Rosalie Amoroso in 1947 and worked in the Amoroso family grocery and skating rink businesses. At the same time he attended Independence community College and graduated with an Associates of Art degree in 1951. They had two sons, Charlie born in 1949 and Mike born in 1952.
In 1954 Bud took a position with the Kansas Highway Department where he worked until his retirement in 1988 with 34 years of service as an Engineering Technician. Shortly after his first retirement, he went back to work as a Consultant with CP Engineers from 1991 to 1998.
Bud married Helen Surface in 1979. They spent their married life in Independence, Kansas, Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Lenexa, Kansas. They always provided a fun, loving, and safe haven for their large blended family. They were married for 35 years until her passing in March 2014.
Mr. Newman is survived by his two sons Charlie Newman and wife Valorie of Houston, Texas, Mike Newman and wife Jane of Montgomery, Texas, step-son James Surface of Shawnee Kansas, step- daughters Jennifer Mathews of Independence Kansas, Janet Clyne of Shawnee Kansas, Joyce McKenzie and husband Terry of Independence, Kansas, sister Flora Inman of Independence Kansas, and nephew Don Inman, Plano Texas. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be held at Webb-Rodrick Chapel, on Saturday, August 1st at 10:00 AM with Pastor John A. Thomas, officiating, graveside services with Military Honors following at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lions' Den at Independence Park where Bud devoted time and energy during his first retirement and enjoyed taking his many grand children and great grand children to play. Donations may be sent to The Lions' Den c/o Walter Nelson, 500 E. Myrtle, Independence, Kansas 67301.

Service

Memorial Service

Webb Rodrick Chapel
306 W Main
Independence, KS  67301
Saturday, August 1, 2015
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery
N Penn Avenue
Independence, KS  67301

Memorial Contributions

c/o Walter Nelson, 500 E Myrtle
Independence, KS  67301