Gary Eugene Newman passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at the age of 87, surrounded by the love of his family. A lifelong Kansas City, Missouri, resident, Gary lived a life defined by faith, hard work, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Born in Kansas City, Gary was the beloved son of John R. Newman and Anna Lee (Long) Newman, with whom he shared a close and loving relationship throughout their lives. He graduated from Paseo High School in 1957, where his talent as a baseball pitcher earned him a minor league contract with the North Platte Indians, a farm club in the Cleveland Indians organization. Though his professional baseball career was brief, his love for the game lasted a lifetime.

One month after Carolyn Audsley graduated from high school in 1958, Gary married the love of his life. Together they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage, building a home rooted in faith, love, laughter, and commitment. Carolyn was his best friend, and together they created a legacy centered on family.

After his season in professional baseball, Gary completed an apprenticeship with Lowell Press, where he dedicated 36 years of service. He was known as a hardworking, dependable provider who always placed the needs of his family before his own. Fair, consistent, and selfless, Gary earned the respect of everyone who knew him through his steady example rather than his words.

Gary's greatest pride was his family. He and Carolyn raised three sons—Mark, Mike, and Troy—instilling in them the values of integrity, perseverance, and education. He found great joy in watching each son earn a college degree, build a successful career, and raise a loving family. As a Little League coach, Gary patiently taught the fundamentals of baseball and faithfully attended his sons' sporting events through their college years.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Gary especially loved baseball and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, holding season tickets during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He also enjoyed golfing during retirement in Florida, playing cards with friends, traveling with Carolyn, and faithfully serving his church. Every August was reserved for family vacations, often at the family's cabin in the Lake of the Ozarks. An accomplished amateur photographer, Gary lovingly documented family vacations and everyday moments, preserving memories that his family will treasure for generations. Each year, he also created personalized birthday cards for members of the Newman family using his own photographs—a heartfelt tradition that reflected his thoughtfulness and creativity.

Family traditions were especially important to Gary. Dinners around the table were rarely missed, and he loved preparing meals for his family. He also cherished his weekly Sunday evening phone calls with his sons, offering a listening ear, thoughtful advice, and steady encouragement.

Gary will be remembered for his warm smile, gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the lives he touched, and the generations he loved so deeply. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Gary is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and their 3 sons, Mark (Angela), Mike (Kathleen), Troy (Kathleen), 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received for a Visitation at Muehlebach Funeral Care on Tuesday, June 30th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with the interment held immediately following at Floral Hills cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Gary are suggested to: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 615 SE Todd George Pkwy, Lees Summit, MO 64063, OR to Northcare Hospice House, 2800 Clay Edwards Dr., 2nd Floor, North Kansas City, MO 64116.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23