Gary Len Newman, a beloved husband, father, "Papa", pastor, and friend, passed away on May 8, 2026. Gary was born on August 12, 1947, in Grand Saline, TX, located in the "Free State of Van Zandt County," to Leonard Bonn Newman and Ruby Pearl (Joslin) Newman.

Gary grew up in Edgewood, TX, and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1965. He graduated from Criswell College in 1979 with his Bachelor's degree. In December 2008, he earned his Master's degree from Southern California Seminary. Additionally, he attended Decatur Baptist College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Gary pastored churches for more than 18 years in Minden and Tyler, TX. He also served as a youth pastor and worship pastor in churches in Terrell, Mesquite, Longview, Pleasant Grove, and Paris, TX. In addition, he led revivals in numerous churches across Texas and beyond, both preaching and leading worship. Gary also toured as a tenor with the Calvary Singers. In total, Gary served the Lord faithfully for 59+ years in vocational ministry.

In 1964, at a movie theater in Wills Point, TX, he was introduced to "the prettiest thing I had ever seen." Sitting in the back seat of his friend Chuck's car was Chuck's cousin, Janis McClain, and after two weeks of dating, he asked her to marry him for the first time. In her wisdom, she said, "no." He was persistent and asked her again when she was 16 years old. In her mother's wisdom, she said, "Not until she is 18." Two weeks after her 18th birthday, Gary and Janis were married on January 28, 1966. They began their family soon after with the birth of their son, Jerry, followed by daughters Kristi, Kelli, and Kimberly. They celebrated 60 loving years of marriage in 2026.

Gary was gifted by God with music. Listening to Fats Domino on 78s, he deciphered the math behind the music, and learned to play piano by ear, as well as guitar. This knowledge allowed him to play masterfully in any key. He used this gift, along with his many other talents, to serve and worship Jesus, whom he loved with his entire being. Gary gave his life to Jesus on October 21, 1968 while leading the response song in a revival. This radically changed both his life, his family, and changed the direction of his life vocationally. He never missed an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. When asked his name, he would respond, "Newman. I'm a New Man in Christ." He wanted everyone to experience the same life-giving relationship with Jesus that transformed his life forever.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at Southcrest Baptist Church, 3801 S. Loop 289, Lubbock, TX 79423, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Though our hearts ache from this profound loss, we take comfort in the knowledge that Gary is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Ruby Newman; his daughter, Kelli Newman; and his granddaughter, Sarah Elaine Newman.

Gary is survived by his wife, Janis McClain Newman; his son, Dr. Jerry L. Newman, Ph.D., and wife Sally Ann; his daughters, Kristi Britt and husband Brad, and Kimberly Auvenshine and husband Darrel; his grandchildren, Arianna Freelen and husband Jordan, Sarah-Brooke Bean and husband Kyler, Hunter Britt and wife Meagan, Collin Britt and wife Emily, Morgan Vega and husband Zach, and Mamie Auvenshine; his sister, Linda Elder and husband John; his niece, Brandy Windham and husband Chris; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins and countless friends who cherished him deeply.