Wayne Leo Newman

Wayne Leo Newman was born June 8, 1947 to Leo John Newman and Marie Duplessis Newman. He died at his home on January 9, 2026. He was the first born of five children. Wayne grew up in the Treme area of New Orleans, participating and attending school in St. Peter Claver Catholic Parish. He went on to attend and graduate from St. Augustine High School in 1965. He was a member of the school baseball team during his attendance. Wayne also graduated from Delgado Community College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration. Wayne enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, serving four (4) years of active duty in Wyoming. He later joined the Air Force Reserve, serving until his retirement. After leaving the military, he worked at Church’s Chicken as a manager. Wayne lastly was employed by L&N Railroad, currently known as CSX Railroad, from where he retired. While employed with the railroad, he worked as a switchman, shift timekeeper, and was a member of the safety board. He had extensive training and certifications in handling hazardous incidents. Wayne married the love of his life, Mosella Sanders Newman in 1986. They were together some 45 years until Mosella’s death in 2022. Wayne had one son, Brian Leo Newman, who lives in Monument, Colorado with his wife Julie. Wayne had two grandchildren: Ashley Newman Cabiness, who lives in San Diego, California and Tyler Newman, who lives in Colorado. Wayne and Mosella loved their affectionate and spunky dog Patches, who lived a charmed and pampered life for 17 years. Wayne was affectionately known as “Chubby” and “Mellow Yellow” by his friends and family. He loved all sports, but especially baseball having played as a teenager with the “Gentilly Warriors”. He also played for many years with an adult league known as the Downtown Booster Association Softball League (DBASL). He was a member of the “Red Machine” baseball team for many years. Wayne also loved music, especially jazz music. His favorite musicians were Wes Montgomery, Herb Albert and Sergio Mendez. Wayne and Mosella loved to travel to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to ‘strike it rich’ at the casinos and shop at the discount/antique shops. Wayne had several great friends since childhood from the Treme neighborhood: Tyrone James, Larry Reeves, Edwin Martin, Wilbert Gallo (deceased), Wayne Baquet and Danny Bakewell. Throughout the many years, they remained in contact with one another. Wayne leaves to cherish his 101-year-old mother, Marie. He also leaves three sisters and one brother: Chanel T. Holt (Winford), Gordon A. Newman, Jill N. Benoit, and Ariana J. Newman. He is survived by his son Brian (Julie) and his grandchildren Ashley and Tyler. He is also survived by several close and loving relatives – Beverly N. Staes (paternal aunt), Henry P. Newman (paternal uncle), Barbara Sanders and J.D. Sanders (in-laws), Sharon Dave Hester (a devoted cousin) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Leo; his wife Mosella, his brother-in-law Napoleon O. Benoit and his faithful dog Patches. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook and share condolences with the family.