MICHAEL NEWMAN

1949 - 2015

November 14, 1949 - August 19, 2015 OKLAHOMA CITY Born in Cushing, OK on Nov. 14, 1949 to Joan and TE Newman, Michael Truax Newman, aka Sister Debbie D'Brie, dropped his ailing body on August 19, 2015. His spirit will live on through the multitude of friends and acquaintances who touched his life and whose lives he touched. A heroic fight against ALS has ended. A nearly 30 year battle with HIV has ended. What survives are the many achievements including his most recent activities with Oklahoma County Master Gardeners, a Docent at OKCMOA, support and volunteer with the Master Naturalist Group and a year long Yoga Mastery Certification. Michael married his partner of over 31 years, Bill Howell, in September 2013 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The ceremony included a poetic writing by Michael about the explorers, Lewis and Clark; analogous to Michael and Bill's life journey. Caring for the less fortunate was one of Michael's traits. Making others feel special was his gift. Special thanks to the professionals including the VA Neurosciences Clinic, the gang at the MDA Clinic Integris Southwest, the team of caring employees of Russell Murray Hospice and the Sisters of the Sacred Heartland. Individual thanks go to a treasure of a friend, Oro Brisco and Bill's sister, Barbara Pritchard (A true gift from God) and his loving niece, Sharon Price. Gifts in remembrance can be directed to ALS Research. A celebration of Michael's life will be announced at a later date.