THE NEWMAN FAMILY MEMORIAL FLIGHT

The North Texas Balloon Project (NTBP) Flight 16
8:30 am CDT on Saturday, August 9, 2008
Hillsboro Municipal Airport (32.0835 N 97.0971W), in Hillsboro, Texas

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HIGH FLIGHT

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

— John Gillespie Magee, Jr

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FRIENDS AND SILENT KEYS
 

We ask Blessings for Katie Newman, their daughter.

John was a very dear friend of mine, as well were Cyndy and JW. John & I shared many experiences together and with our respective sons. I always marveled at how much love there was between John & Cyndy. That love showed in both of their children, JW and Katie as well. I will always remember John in many ways, all of them very positive.

As just one example, he was the guy who could fix anything !! On one of our Boy Scout Troop 97 weekend campouts, on our way to Sid Richardson Scout Ranch out by Lake Bridgeport, the right front wheel literally came off his truck as we were going down the road. Most anyone else would have been helplessly stranded. John's reaction was "Come on, I've got tools . . . let's you & me go in your car to the nearest auto parts store & we'll just fix it !!" Absolutely amazing !!

John always gave 100% of himself in everything that he did. His piloting expertise, his sailing abilities, and most importantly, his activities in the amateur radio hobby (he was KA5WAL) will be sadly missed by those in Boy Scout Troop 97 who had the pleasure of receiving as John shared his many gifts in life. I always told John that I had HIM to "blame" for the fact that I got my ham radio license, and for that I am very thankful.

I take comfort in knowing that John, Cyndy, and JW are all in heaven, looking down on the rest of us with their loving smiles. I also know that Katie will look back on the times that she had with her family, and she will always have good memories, certainly memories filled with lots of love. I think that's how I could best sum up the Newman family: always full of love and always giving of themselves to others !! To John, Cyndy, and JW: I count myself among the many who were fortunate to have made your acquaintance, but more importantly, I can count myself among those who could call you as close friends, and with that, I will always cherish the memories I have of all of you.

May you always rest in peace, and may God continue to bless Katie and the rest of the Newman family !!

Mark (KD5RXT) Culross (Fort Worth, TX)

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John Walter Newman

John Walter Newman Jr., 50, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2008, in an aircraft accident.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the Katie Newman Education Fund, in care of Washington Mutual Bank.

John was born March 6, 1958, in Fort Worth to Edith Elizabeth Kelly and the late John Walter Newman Sr. John graduated from UTA in 1980 with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He worked at Lockheed Martin for over 25 years as an electrical engineer. John always had a passion for planes and flying, earning his pilot's license in 1977. He was president of the Short Wing Piper Club of Fort Worth, member of the National Advisory Council of the Experimental Aircraft Association, and was the longest hanger tenant at Sycamore Air Strip. He was an active volunteer for the Nolan Catholic High School Band and an active adult leader for the Boy Scouts. Exceeding all of his passions was John's love for his family and friends.

Survivors: Daughter, Katie Newman; mother, Edith Elizabeth Kelly; brothers, Michael Newman and wife, Robin, and Ed Newman and wife, Carrie; cousin, Cissy Ulmer; and a host of friends and extended family members.

Cynthia Louise (Brown) Newman

Cynthia Louise Newman, 48, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2008, in an aircraft accident.
 
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully ask that donations be made to the Katie Newman Education Fund, in care of Washington Mutual Bank.

Cyndy was born July 14, 1960, to Ronald L. and Jeanenne Hackler Brown in Fort Worth. She graduated from Nolan Catholic High School in 1978. She received a bachelor of science Degree in nursing from UTA in 1982 and later completed her teacher certification as well as her catechist certification. Cyndy was currently teaching kindergarten at St. Andrew's Catholic School. She became a private pilot in 1990. Cyndy loved to travel with the family in their vintage Airstream travel trailer that the family had completely restored. She was a devoted mother who served many years as the band nurse for Nolan High School and was to be the band chaplain this coming year. Cyndy was also a member of the Short Wing Piper Club of Fort Worth and the Experimental Aircraft Association. She proudly served on the Bereavement Committee of St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Above all, Cyndy was a loving wife, mother, daughter and friend who will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors: Daughter, Katie Newman; parents, Ronald and Jeanenne Brown; brother, Chris Brown; grandmothers, Ruth Hackler and Bertha Brown of Woodridge, N.Y.; loving cat, Blackey; and numerous friends and extended family members.

John Walter "J.W." Newman III

John Walter "J.W." Newman III, 19, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2008, in an aircraft accident.
 
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully ask that donations be made to the Katie Newman Education Fund, in care of Washington Mutual Bank.

J.W. was born Jan. 6, 1989, in Fort Worth to John Walter Newman Jr. and Cynthia Louise Brown Newman, who also passed away in the aircraft accident. J.W. graduated from Nolan Catholic High School in 2007. He was a member of the Nolan Catholic High School's state championship marching band where he played saxophone. He was also a member of the German Club, Engineering Club and a founding member of the Car Club. He was very talented in the German language and received an award for the highest score in the German Department at UTA. J.W. had completed his first year at UTA, where he was majoring in electrical engineering with a minor in German studies. J.W. had always loved cars, planes, motorcycles or anything with an engine. He was planning to begin private pilot training in the fall. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family who loved him and whom he loved.

Survivors: Sister, Katie Newman; grandparents, Ronald and Jeanenne Brown and Edith Elizabeth Kelly; uncles, Chris Brown, Michael Newman and wife, Robin, and Ed Newman and wife, Carrie; great-grandmothers, Ruth Hackler and Bertha Brown; best friend, Andrew Ruskino; a host of extended family members; and an immeasurable number of friends.