Gerald A. Newman

     Gerald A. Newman, 79, of Hillsboro, died Aug. 16 at the Laurels of Hillsboro.

     He was born Sept. 23, 1930 in Highland County, the son of the late Charles and Virginia Newman. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Elma Lois Frazer, whom he married Aug. 6, 1950. Also surviving are two children, Jane Lynn Newman Turner (Toby Turner) and David Frazer Newman. Gerald and Lois were also blessed with two grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn Turner and Matthew Allison Turner; and one great-grandchild, Trenton Gulley.

     He was a lifelong member of the Belfast Methodist Church, having been a Sunday school teacher, active board member, and Church Board secretary. He retired from the Highland County Farm Bureau in 1982 as Manager of the County operation. He then began a second career and retired from Crop Production Services as Branch Manager in 1997.

     Gerald was very involved in the community he loved. Being a 40-year member of the Hillsboro Rotary Club, he had served as a board member, trustee, & secretary. Gerald was recognized as the Rotarian of the Year in 2003. He was a 50-year member of the Highland County Farm Bureau and was actively serving as a Trustee. He was a past Member of the Board of Directors of the Anchor Savings & Loan in Hillsboro. He also served on several community projects including Boy Scouts, Highland County Society for Children and Adults, and Heart Fund.

     One of Gerald's passions & loves in life was the Masonic Fraternity. He was a 50-year member, a Past Master of Highland Lodge #38 in 1971, and secretary for 20 years. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the 7th Masonic District by the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 1982, 1983, and 1984. He was elected High Priest of Hillsboro Chapter #40 R.A.M. in 1966, serving as secretary for over 30 years as well as degree director; elected Illustrious Master of Hillsboro Council #16 R. & S.M. and degree director; and elected Commander of Highland Commandery #31 Knights Templar in 1967. He was a drill team member for many years, president of the 3rd Division C.T.A., president of the Past Commanders Assoc., recipient of the Knight Templar Cross of Honor, and he received the Knight Cross of the Temple in 2003. Gerald also received the Knight York Cross of Honor in 1972. He and Lois were members and held several offices with the Hillsboro Chapter #441 Ohio Eastern Star. He was a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cincinnati, serving as Chairman, President, & Secretary of the Highland County Club. Gerald was nominated and elected for the 33rd Degree in Sept. 2000. He was a respected and honored member of many other Masonic organizations too numerous to mention.

     Gerald had a passion for life and service to others. He was optimistic and dedicated but always had time for others and continually went out of his way to greet and acknowledge everyone. He was a courtly, gentle, and considerate man, never known to slight others. His Christian virtues and his high moral character have been a beacon to all who knew him. Hillsboro and Highland County have lost one of its most esteemed "gentlemen."

     Friends may call at the Thompson Funeral Home, located at 241 East Main Street, from 5-8 p.m. on Friday. Masonic Service, OES, and Scottish Rite Ring Services will follow. Funeral services will be held at the same location at 10 a.m. on Saturday with Pastor Ken Woleab officiating. Burial will be in Prospect Cemetery.

     Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Knight Templar Eye Foundation, C/O Denver Conley, 312 Woodland Drive, Hillsboro, OH 45133.

     For more information or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com.