Peter Eugene Newman

June 23, 1928-April 25, 2015

Richardson, TX and formerly of Bryan, TX

Pete Newman, lover of porch sitting, cold beer, Aggie football, and a good story, passed away peacefully in Richardson, TX on April 25, 2015 at age 86.

Pete was the slightly spoiled, youngest child of Louie M. and Lola Mae (Dickson) Newman of Moorevlle, TX. Pete loved to share stories of growing up on a farm with older brothers, Louis Newman II (deceased), and Charles James “Jim” Newman (deceased), as well as sister Henrietta “Penny” Newman Coleman (deceased). He loved riding horses, avoiding chores, and entertaining friends and family with tall tales.

Pete graduated from Chilton High School in 1945 and joined the Merchant Marines at age 17. Upon retuning to Texas, and after attending several universities (Baylor and Texas A&M), Pete enrolled and graduated from North Texas State College (later known as University of North Texas) where he received his degree in Elementary Education. He then joined the United States Navy, stationed in San Diego, CA, where he met his future wife, Adrienne Brahaney, a WAVE (US Naval Reserve Women’s Reserve), who recalled first setting eyes on Pete napping under a tree, but was smitten none-the-less.

Pete and Adrienne married in 1955 and moved to Ft. Worth, TX where Pete began teaching. Their first son, David, was born the following year. The family moved to Bryan, TX in 1957 where daughter Susan was born, followed by son Christopher in 1962. In 1958 Pete began a 12-year teaching career at Crocket Elementary in Bryan. Pete loved teaching, but he especially loved teaching social studies to sixth graders, where he was able to put his story telling skills to good use. He became a beloved teacher and many a former student has mentioned Mr. Newman’s creative methods of teaching, which may have included, but were in no way limited to, historic reenactments, silly songs and poems, and interpretive dancing. Pete enjoyed coaching elementary league little league and football and was recognized for organizing and officiating an after school basketball program at Crockett.

In 1967 Pete began working part time for Davis Airlines, kicking of his second career and other great love, airlines. Pete’s airline career continued well after retiring from teaching in 1970. He eventually went on to work for three more airlines, Rio, Royale, and ASA Airlines. In all, Pete worked for the airlines at Easterwood Airport for 28 years and became the unofficial face of Easterwood. As airline passengers would come and go, Pete would be there to change a flight, handle a bag, offer a cup of coffee, or share a story. Because of Pete’s love of the Texas Aggies and due to his assistance to the Aggies when the team traveled through Easterwood Airport, R. C Slocum, former head coach for Texas A&M presented him with an official signed football from the 1995 Texas Aggie Football team upon Pete’s retirement.

In addition to his parents and siblings, Pete was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years. He is survived by son, David Newman and wife Susan of Langehorn, PA; daughter Susan Newman Penson and husband Steven of Dallas, TX; and son Christopher Newman of Dallas, TX along with Pete’s four grandchildren; Dallas Roberson, Dan Newman, Elizabeth Newman Lerie, and Caitlin Penson.

Pete Newman was a man with a dry wit, a wry smile, a lover of “damn good” food, anole lizards (especially the beer drinking kind), shuffleboard, and a fascination with the back-story of every person he ever met. He lived his life on his own terms. He was a great husband; he was loved by his children and adored by his grandchildren. Pete Newman was a “damn good” man.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Altus Hospice for the tender loving care they gave to our father.

A memorial service has yet to be determined.

Donations may be made to: Take Me Home Pet Rescue, 561 W. Campbell Rd., Suite 303, Richardson, TX 75080 or takemehomepetrescue.com