Roy L. Newman

Roy Lee Newman, born on May 11, 1935, in Rosebud, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at home on his beloved ranch outside of Lampasas, Texas. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle whose legacy of love, service, and laughter will endure in the hearts of those who cherished him. He will be especially missed at the Central Christian Church where he has served faithfully for 30 years. His strong faith in Christ started with his baptism at the age 15.

Roy began his distinguished career in law enforcement in 1962, attending Patrol School in Austin, Texas. He was assigned as a highway patrolman in Amarillo in 1963, marking the beginning of a committed journey in public service. He was promoted to investigator in Lubbock, Texas in 1971, where he transitioned into the role of Vice investigator for two years before joining the newly established division of Motor Vehicle Theft. In 1978 he became a Sergeant and was later promoted to Commander of the Motor Vehicle Theft Division in 1979, a position he held until his retirement on October 31, 1993. Roy’s dedication to his work not only showcased his commitment to safety and justice but also illustrated his many years of service to the community.

Away from his professional pursuits, Roy was known for his gentle spirit and warm personality. He had a unique talent for soothing infants, lovingly referred to as the "Baby Whisperer." Whether you were a long-time family member or a new addition, Roy had an incredible ability to make everyone feel like they belonged. Family gatherings often centered around his grilling skills, particularly his knack for cooking steaks—notwithstanding his signature medium to medium-well preference.

Roy was a compassionate gentleman, respected by all who knew him. He was known for his wisdom, his dry sense of humor, and his love for puns and corny jokes that could brighten even the dullest day. With a rare temperament, few witnessed him utter a cuss word, but instead, those who listened were always rewarded with thoughtful insights or hearty laughter. His affection was evident in small gestures, such as a hug or a loving touch to the face, creating lasting memories for everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. OUTSTANDING was his signature catch phrase.

Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Michele Newman, daughters: Cherri Goodwin and her husband Keith, Crystal Lowe and her husband Jason, Nan Holloway and her husband Bob Cummins, and Rebecca Whitaker and her husband Richard Whitaker. His grandchildren—Casey Goodwin and her husband Morgan McClellan, Connor Goodwin and his wife Kailey, Paige Biersdorfer and her husband Justin, Ryne Stallings and his wife Amber, Korey Lowe, Calli Cannon and her husband Steve Cannon, Rachel Tedder and her husband Roger, Jacob Whitaker, John Paul Whitaker and his wife Destiny—along with his great-grandchildren Cassius Cook, Shay Tully-Goodwin, Wren Biersdorfer, Raelynn Stallings, Camilla Stallings, Cade Whitaker, Randall Tedder, Lena Whitaker, Kenzie Whitaker, Reagan Tedder, Carson Roy Whitaker, Cooper Cannon, Caleb Cannon, Savi Cannon, and Greta McClellan will carry forward his values and memories.

In addition to his immediate family, Roy is survived by his siblings Robert "Bob" Newman, Kathryn Newman, and Patty Vigneau, along with countless nieces and nephews and his brothers in arms from the Department of Public Safety.

Roy joins in eternal rest his wife Melba Jo Newman, parents Rollo and Virtena Newman, brother L. D. Newman, infant brother Ned Newman, sisters Betty Johnson and Mattie Baskin, and brother Dan Newman, as well as his grandchildren Clint Goodwin and Keely Groshong.

A visitation will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on October 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Roy will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lampasas, immediately following his funeral service. Lunch will be served for funeral attendees at Community Church (1601 E. Fourth St., Lampasas, TX) Fellowship Hall immediately following graveside services.

Roy Lee Newman leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and unwavering faith, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.