George A. Newman
Born: October 16th, 2019
Died: December 13th, 2015
Obituary
George A. Newman, 92, of Burlington, died at 10:44 am Sunday, December 13, 2015, at his home.
Born October 16, 1923, in Burlington, IA, he was the son of Leon and Florence Newman Bdrguet. On July 27, 1947, he married Juanita Joan Alberts-Thompson in Burlington, IA. She died on April 6, 2005.
George served his country with 3 years in the Army and saw action in five major campaigns (including the Battle of the Bulge) in WW II, earning five battles stars. He was a flagman for the CB&Q Railroad at the Main St. crossing. He worked for 34 years at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant retiring out of the quality control department. He was a member of St. John A.M.E.
George was the first black man on the Human Rights Commission in Burlington. He was part of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute organizing the Porters and Baggage Handlers. He also volunteered for the Low Rent Housing Commission of Southeast Iowa. He coached a variety of sports, where he looked for potential, encouraged. and helped the kids to succeed. He attended the Drake Relays for 30+ years, many times watching his children and grandchildren participate. He enjoyed running, jazz music and dancing at the Memorial Auditorium. He had a strong desire to help others and stayed actively involved with his family and the community. His grandchildren lovingly nicknamed him "Hoss", a name that George embraced.
Survivors include two daughters, Celeste (Charles) Hall of Mansfield, TX and Pamela Bradshaw of Burlington, IA; two sons, Phillip Newman of Burlington, IA, and Paul (Amy) Newman of Cedar Rapids, IA; 13 grandchildren, Derek Newman, Damisi Little, Dailah Richardson, Devin Bradshaw, Danita Bradshaw-Ward, Dereth Bradshaw, Zachariah, Jazzla, Gabriel, Elijah, Jeremiah, Isaiah & Nehemiah Newman; 13 great-grandchildren, Zariah Shields, Nina Newman, Omari Bobbitt, Hasani Little, Jaylah Wright, Jamir Wright, Kadia Ward, Kyleigh Ward, Kellen Ward, Jamil Little, Makai Little, Sophia Richardson & Miles Richardson; one niece, Darlene Baker of Buckeye, AZ; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Baker; one son-in-law, Robert "Shorty" Bradshaw; and two nephews, Tony & David Baker.
Visitation with the family present to receive friends will be from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015.
The funeral service for Mr. Newman will be Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Prugh's Chapel, 317 N. 4th St. with Pastor Orlando R. Dial officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in memory of George Newman.