FRANKLIN COUNTY – Craig E. Newman, born August 18, 1964, to Vernon and Lillian (Cavins) Newman, youngest of four sons – Larry, Gary, Alan and Craig – left the bed he had been confined to for years and stepped onto the streets of gold with his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ on January 8, 2024.
He grew up learning to bait a hook, love animals and the outdoors, play baseball, basketball, football, drive go-carts, ride motorcycles, occasionally retrieve his own switch and the love of God found in his Son Jesus. As a young lad Craig went on to trust Jesus as his Savior and followed in baptism at East Benton Baptist Church. He delivered newspapers in his youth before coming to the family welding and fabrication business. There he learned to weld, fabricate, operate lathes, mills, drill presses, press brakes and plate shears. He became an accomplished welder, fabricator and machinist.
Craig was never a book worm or a model student in the classroom, but developed a real talent in drawing and art. His enjoyment of music lead him to learning to play an acoustic guitar.
He became an avid golfer only a few years before being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which in only a few years confined him to the use of a walker, then a wheelchair.
Over the course of the disease, he fought hard and long to be independent and live to the best of his capabilities, a life of longevity and purpose. Through the grace and mercy of God, the help of many loving and compassionate caregivers, nurses and doctors, Craig was able to live out a longer than normal M.S. stricken life.
Through the disabling course of the disease, Craig reconnected to his faith and life that he had received as a young lad and joined and attended Faith Missionary Baptist Church while he still had his mobility. He also recognized what he would say was “his greatest achievement, love and joy my beautiful daughter Nicole.” He often reflected back on taking Niccer’s fishing, a weekend trip with her and his mom to Six Flags, Zoos, or just a hotel with a pool so she could swim, and always on how beautiful she is. He loved her deeply and to the extent of the disease loved her children, his grandchildren Lila Pearl and Cohen Prine with just as deep of love and affection.
Even with all that plagued him physically, he never complained but to the contrary would encourage to keep on trying to live to the best of your abilities. He would give you a smile that would melt your heart. He was deeply loved as a son, a brother, a dad, a papa and a child of God. He will be greatly missed!
Craig is survived by a daughter Nicole Newman, grandchildren Lila Pearl and Cohen Prine McConaughey all of Benton, brother Gary and wife Deanne Newman of Thompsonville, brother Alan Newman of Benton, uncle Bruce Cavins from Du Quoin, nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends.
Craig was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, Jan. 11 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Alan Newman officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in Du Quoin. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nights Shield Children’s Center, Camp Ondessonk, or Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp.
For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.