Robert H. Newman, age 81, of Slater, died Monday, May 17, 2021, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m, Friday, May 21, at Slater Christian Church, with a prayer at 8 p.m. by Rev. Jess Spurgin.
Memorials are suggested to Slater Christian Church or Big Bend Retreat in care of Weiker Funeral Home in Slater.
Born July 7, 1939 in Carrollton, he was the son of the late J.L. and Ione Rhodes Newman. He was married to Mary Ann Seba for sixty-one years, and she survives of the home.
He is also survived by two sons, Rob Newman and his wife Stephanie, and Brent Newman; three grandchildren, Amanda Newman, Ben Newman, and Allison Newman, all of Slater; and two sisters, Mary Jane Steiger of Beaverton, Oregon, and Marty Smith and her husband Bob of Atlanta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Walter Steiger.
Mr. Newman was a longtime member of the Slater Christian Church. He was a 1961 graduate of the University of Central Missouri, with a degree in Industrial Arts Education. He was a member of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity while in college. Bob and Mary Ann moved to Slater in 1961, and he taught at Slater High School as the Industrial Arts teacher for seven years. He and his wife spent forty-two years delivering the Kansas City Star to the residents of Slater. He spent many years in Slater as the owner/operator of Newman Construction, and co-owner of Broadway Wash and Newman Rentals. In addition, he is best known for assisting Slater residents with their plumbing, heating and cooling needs, along with various other services. Bob always offered a helping hand when needed. When not at the coffee shop, he could be found on the Missouri River fishing for catfish. He participated in various car and tractor shows for many years, parading a 1931 Model A 1925 Dodge Brothers Touring Car, or one of his Massey Harris tractors. He was a longtime member of the Missouri Massey Collectors Association, and the Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association. He was the 2019 Parade Marshal for the Slater Fall Festival Parade. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, and showing his antique car and tractor collection.