Rufus Newman

September 5, 1929 - November 4, 2019

Rufus Newman, 90, of Kankakee, IL, passed away Monday, November 4, 2019 at his residence. Visitation will be Friday, November 8, 2019 from 10:00 A.M. until time of funeral services at 11:00 A.M. at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Montele Crawford will officiate. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, Be of one mind, live in peace; And the God of love and peace Shall be with you. II Cor. 13:11. Rufus Lorenzo Newman was born September 5, 1929 to Roosevelt Newman and Lealor Faison-Newman of Eudora, Arkansas. He was reared by his loving aunt, Virginia Faison. Rufus confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at twelve years old. He was a devoted husband, loving father, uncle, brother and friend to many. He was full of life and loved family gatherings. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, church, fishing and eating. Rufus was employed by Bird & Son Roofing in Chicago, IL. He moved to Kankakee, IL and retired from Bunge Food Corporation of Bradley, IL. He was a practicing licensed barber. Rufus was a faithful member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church (1973), under the leadership of Rev. William H. Copeland, Jr., where he was ordained a Deacon in 1977, a member of the Benevolence Ministry, chairperson of the Morning Star Building and Grounds, and in charge of the Gashouse Ministry from 1999-2008, that distributed clothing and household goods to the needy. He served in the United States Air Force; was a member of Dukes and Duchess Social Organization and a member of Masonic-True Lodge #136 of Kankakee, IL. He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Rev. Tyrone (Felicia) Lorenzo Newman of Jackson, Mississippi; three grandchildren; Ciara (DeAnte’) Smith, Paris and Tyra Newman; one great-granddaughter, Denver; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends; special nephew, Victor M. Allen and niece, Theresa A. Pollard, who took special care of him during his final season of life. Rufus was preceded in death by his wife, Charline B. Newman, married 48 years; father and mother, Roosevelt Newman and Lealor Faison-Newman, and four brothers, Roosevelt, Eddie, Milton and Cornell. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me A crown of righteousness…” II Timothy 4:7-8