Walter Vince Newman was born on September 29, 1946, in Wyandotte, Michigan
Walter Vince Newman was born on September 29, 1946, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to the late Walter and Doris Newman. He grew up with strong family values and attended school in Allen Park, Michigan.
Walter proudly served his country as a sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, a chapter of his life that remained a source of deep pride.
During his military service, Walter fell in love with both with his to be wife, Janice and with the beauty of Florida while stationed at MacDill AFB. After his time in the Air Force, he had to return to Michigan in order to keep his job at Uniroyal Tires. Walter and his family later moved back to Florida where he worked in the shipyards as a plumber and then went on to work as a mail handler for the United States Postal Service. He worked many years at the Tampa, FL Carrier Annex. He and Janice visited Branson twice on vacation and were taken with the area. They moved to Branson in 2006 and Walter worked and later retired from the USPS facility in Springfield. He was a hard worker, both for the postal service and in everything he did.
Walter was a devoted husband to Janice, whom he married in 1970. Their marriage was built on love, loyalty, and shared devotion, and Walter remained faithfully by her side through every season of life. When Janice became ill, he cared for her with unwavering dedication. Walter deeply wanted them to see their 50th wedding anniversary together, but Janice passed away seven months before reaching the milestone.
Walter was a good Christian man and a faithful believer. While living in Florida, he attended Oldsmar Baptist Church. He was a good man in every sense of the word. Anyone that knew him, liked and respected him. He was a no-nonsense man and will also be remembered for his dry sense of humor. He was always there for his family and friends and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He selflessly offered support, encouragement, and a steady presence that those around him could count on. He truly had a heart of gold.
Walter passed away on August 17, 2026, in Branson, Missouri, at the age of 79.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Doris Newman; his wife, Janice Newman; his sisters, Pamela Stone and Connie Newman; and his son, William “Terry” French. He is survived by his daughter, Sheri French of Branson, MO; his granddaughters, Amber French of Tampa, FL and Tiffany Anderson of Orlando, FL; his great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn French of Tampa, FL; his great-grandson, Cody Hembree of Tampa, FL; his niece, Rhonda Adam of Allen Park, MI; as well as other extended family members and neighbors who will cherish his memory.
Family services will be held in Florida at a later date.
