Frederick Newhouse

1948 - 2025

Frederick
Newhouse
11/08/1948 - 01/20/2025
Over 76 years, Frederick Vaughan Newhouse had the honor and joy of living out five award winning exemplary journeys laced with silver, gold, and so much more.
Fred was an extremely loving family member and friend; a corporate executive for Exxon and Valero; a world record holding Olympic gold and silver medalist; a philanthropic humanitarian; and a cattle rancher. Each of these journeys were grounded in faith with the ultimate goal of honoring God.
Fred grew up in Hallsville, Texas, with grandparents, David and Dolly Newhouse. He graduated as the salutatorian of Galilee High School before heading to Prairie View A&M University where he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering; then on to the University of Washington, where he earned an M.B.A.
After college, Fred had an exemplary career as a corporate executive that expanded over 42 years with Exxon Mobil and Valero, where he retired as a Public Relations Executive.
In addition to an exceptional career in the oil and gas industry, Fred had a thriving athletic career in track and field. While at P.V.A.M.U., Fred won several conference and national championships. The highlight of his college career was setting an indoor world record in the Astrodome. That record still stands today.
As a professional track and field athlete, Fred traveled the world winning several medals including a silver and gold medal in the 1976 Olympic Games. Fred's times in the open 400-meters and relay splits have him still ranked as one of the top ten all-time U.S. 400-meter runners. Fred received Hall of Fame honors from Prairie View A&M University, the S.W.A.C., Drake Relays, the N.A.I.A., U.S.A. Track and Field, and many more.
Although Fred stopped competing, he never left the sport of track and field. Fred has served the sport as a coach and official on the local, state, national and international level for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. He served as an official and the meet referee for the I.A.A.F. World Athletics Championship, U.S.A.T.F. National Championships, the N.C.A.A. National Championships, and the U.I.L. State Track and Field Championships. He also served in many roles for U.S.A. Track and Field. Fred was such a fan of the sport, that he founded his own youth track team, the Northwest Flyers, who are still going strong, 37 years later. Fred considered it an honor and his duty to give back to a sport that gave so much to him!
Fred's passion for running and officiating track and field meets was equally matched by his passion for cattle ranching. As the proud owner of Rhonda Ranch and Newhouse Land and Cattle, he found joy in working with livestock and managing his land. He was one of the founding members of the 100 Black Ranchers and he used his ranch to host camping and educational events for students. He served on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Minority Farmer Advisory Committee, the Texas Rural Communities Commission, the Walker County Soil and Water Conservation Board, and numerous other organizations. He received numerous awards, including the U.S.D.A. Outstanding Rancher Conservation Award and the Clairol Award for community service. Yet, despite his accolades, he remained humble, always championing the values of integrity, perseverance, and service. Fred's greatest honor and joy was giving back to others!
Fred is survived by his wife and best friend of 53 years, Rhonda Newhouse; his daughters, Vonda Nunley (Pele) and Benecia Carswell (Corey); and grandchildren, Andre and Bryce Nunley, Norman, Madalyn, and Blaize Carswell.
He is also survived by his brothers, Lucious Newhouse Jr. (Hattie), Gene Locke (Aubrey), William Robertson (Cheryl); and sister-in-law, Janice Williams (Raymond); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who loved and admired him deeply.
His family, friends, and community will forever cherish his wisdom, humor, and boundless love.
Frederick Vaughan Newhouse was a man who transcended greatness, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for eternity. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
A celebration of Fred's remarkable life will be held on February 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Fallbrook Church, located at 12512 Walters Rd., Houston, Texas 77014.
In lieu of flowers, Fred and his family would be honored if you sent a donation to Rhonda and Frederick Newhouse Endowed Scholarship Fund at Prairie View A&M University. https://bit.ly/fredericknewhouse