John Frank Newman

John Frank Newman passed away peacefully with his wife of 34 years, Jeanne, and other loved ones by his side at their home in Winamac, Indiana, on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
John was born on November 20, 1956, in Winamac to Herbert Russell and Norma Rosemary (Good) Newman. His arrival was especially memorable, as it won his parents' doctor a steak dinner. The doctor had predicted that Norma would not have children, but Herb confidently bet a steak dinner that they would welcome their first child within a year. True to his father's belief, John was born just one day late-sharing a birthday with Herb. As the eldest of seven siblings, John led the way as his six younger siblings arrived in quick succession over the next eight years. The Newman family grew up on a dairy farm in Culver, Indiana, where hard work, family bonds, and plenty of love surrounded them.
John was a hardworking man throughout his life. His strong work ethic began early, as he started helping on the family dairy farm at just five years old, sweeping the milking barn. He continued working through high school and graduated from Culver Community High School in 1975. John then attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science in 1979. During his time at Purdue, he was actively involved in the Purdue Dairy Club and the Dairy Judging Team, all while passionately cheering on the Boilermakers.
After graduating, John returned to the family farm, taking on a key role in management and daily operations. He was responsible for the breeding program, carefully selecting bulls to improve the herd's genetics. Working alongside his brother, Herb Jr., they grew the herd from 90 to 160 cows and increased milk production from 14,500 to 24,000 pounds per cow. Even after the dairy herd was sold in 1998, buyers frequently reported back to John about the exceptional performance of Newman cattle.
Following his time in farming, John spent three years working for DeLaval, selling dairy farm route supplies. He later transitioned to a career as a truck driver with Murray's Trucking Company, where he worked until his retirement.
On August 11, 1990, John married Jeanne Gay Rickman. Along with saying "I do," John also wholeheartedly embraced his role as a father to Douglas Paul "Doug", Laura Lynn Beth, and Kathleen Mae "Kati". Jeanne never recalls a moment when he wavered in that commitment-he loved and raised them as if he had been there from the very beginning. His unwavering dedication was one of the many reasons Jeanne fell in love with him and continued to love and respect the man she married.
John and Jeanne later expanded their family with the arrival of their son, John Russell and their daughter, Angela Rose "Angie". John was a loving, loyal, and devoted family man, always putting his children first. His daughter Laura fondly recalls how he never hesitated to show up and support them. She cherishes memories of waking up at 2 AM to help milk cows, armed with a big jug of Crystal Light, or riding along with him in the tractor out in the fields-simple moments that spoke volumes about his love and dedication as a father.
For the past 30-plus years, John and Jeanne have been devoted members of Heartland Church (formerly known as Grace Church and Church of the Heartland), where John was deeply involved in the church community. A devoted man of faith, he was an active participant in the men's group, volleyball, and youth group, always finding ways to serve others. His commitment to the youth ministry was so strong that he even obtained a permit to drive the church bus, ensuring that kids who wanted to attend youth group had a way to get there.
John was a true man of God, living out his faith in both words and actions. He was a praying man, always turning to God in times of joy, uncertainty, and hardship. Whether it was a concern, a worry, or a challenge, John was quick to offer a prayer, lifting up those around him with his unwavering belief in God's power and grace. His kindness, dedication, and steadfast faith left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him, shaping the lives of many and leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. If there is one thing to take away from John's faith and devotion to God, it is the simple yet powerful reminder he often shared: "Let's pray about that."
After retiring, John and Jeanne enjoyed traveling, spending time with their family, and cheering on his favorite teams. John's love for sports was a defining part of his life, bringing him joy, connection, and countless memories with family and friends. A devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears (da Bears), and the Purdue Boilermakers, he rarely missed an opportunity to watch his favorite teams in action.
One of John's most cherished sports memories was watching Game 7 of the 2016 World Series when the Cubs finally broke their 108-year championship drought. His brother-in-law Eddie Rickman recalled, "John and I were able to watch the first five innings together at One Eyed Jacks before a thunderstorm blew through and knocked out the electricity. Determined not to miss the moment, he had me drop him off at the hospital lobby where Jeanne worked so he could finish rooting for the Cubs to victory." Like any lifelong Cubs fan, witnessing that historic win was something he would never forget.
John's passion for sports was best enjoyed in the company of others. Whether it was watching a Bears game on a Sunday afternoon or cheering on Purdue, he loved sharing the experience with family and friends. This was never more evident than this past Christmas when his family came together to ensure he could watch his beloved Boilermakers play. First, his sister and niece gifted him a new TV, then his son-in-law stepped in to set it up, and finally, multiple family members arrived two hours early just to watch the game with him. It was moments like these-cheering, celebrating, and sometimes commiserating-that made sports more than just a pastime for John. It was a way to bring people together, and his love for the game will be remembered by all who shared it with him.
John's love for his wife of 34 years, his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren was unmatched.
He is survived by:
Jeanne Gay (Rickman) Newman, Winamac, IN Wife
Laura Lynn Beth (husband: Donny) Nies, Winamac, IN Daughter
Kathleen Mae (husband: Donny) Howe, Winamac, IN Daughter
John Russell Newman, Winamac, IN Son
Angela Rose Bain, Statesboro, GA Daughter
Jayden Haluck, Granddaughter
Isabella Bain, Granddaughter
Deagan Howe, Grandson
Easton Howe, Granddaughter
Judd Nies, Grandson
Thadd Nies, Grandson
Herbert Russell (wife: Janet) Newman, Jr., Culver, IN Brother
Arthur Allen (wife: Melissa) Newman, Winamac, IN Brother
Barbara Mae (husband: Warren) Penrod, Culver, IN Sister
Geri Ann Newman, Culver, IN Sister
Mary Lovina Newman, East Enterprise, IN Sister
Marilyn (husband: Dave) Newman Gess, Princeton, IN Sister-in-law
Edward (wife: Lynn) Rickman, Culver, IN Father-in-law
Eddie (wife: Brenda) Rickman, Rochester, IN Brother-in-law
Lynn (wife: Lisa) Rickman, Port Charlotte, FL Sister-in-law
Jane Sheets, Culver, IN Sister-in-law
Jason Newman, Nephew
Matt (wife: Catie) Newman, Nephew
Brianna Deitrich, Niece
Peyton Newman, Niece
Shawn Newman, Nephew
Heather (husband: Gregory) de Jong, Niece
Benjamin Newman, Nephew
Meghan (husband: John Swinford) Newman, Niece
Eric (wife: Erika) Newman, Nephew
Jeremy Penrod, Nephew
Natalie Newman, Niece
Allen (wife: Janel) Sayger, Nephew
Wendi (husband: Michael) Wolford, Niece
Dominic Powers, Nephew
Dylan Bettinelli, Nephew
Daniel Bettinelli, Nephew
Dawson (wife: Courtney) Bettinelli, Nephew
Ryan Sheets, Nephew
Reagan Sheets, Niece
Zach (wife: Brandy) Black, Nephew
Numerous Great Nieces and Nephews
Many Cousins
Preceded in death by:
Herbert Russell and Norma Rosemary (Good) Newman, Sr., Parents
Douglas Paul Newman, Son
Edward Anthony Newman, Brother
Adam Deitrich, Nephew
Jeremy Bain, Son-in-law
Justin Haluck, Family Member
Juanita (Flowers) Rickman, Mother-in-law
Cathy Faylor, Sister-in-law
Visitation will be from 5-8 PM EDT Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM EDT Friday, March 21, 2025 at Heartland Church in Winamac with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating.
Private Burial will take place at Zion Cemetery in Culver.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Heartland Church (https://www.heartland.church/give).
Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook and share memories with the family at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Thank you to all our family, friends, and community for your love and support during this difficult time.