Kristopher Ned Newman

November 16, 1964 - May 7, 2020

Kristopher Ned Newman, 55, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Thursday, May 7, 2020 due to acute liver failure. Kristopher was born November 16, 1964 at Travis Air Force Base Hospital, California to Ned A and Patricia Ellen Thornock Newman. He lived in Scotland, Spain, Florida, Utah, New Mexico, and Alaska during his growing up years. Kris was a happy, energetic child and was very loving to all. He graduated from Stellar High School in Anchorage, AK. He went on to attend Ogden/Weber AVC and received a welding certificate. He later completed his formal education at Stevens-Henager College where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Kristopher is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in the New York, Rochester mission where he became familiar with the Sacred Grove and Hill Cumorah and loved to testify of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Following his mission, Kristopher met the love of his life, JulieAnn Rowbury. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, May 5, 1989. They were blessed with 4 daughters and 1 son: Brittany, Kristina Corbridge (Michael), Lilly Giles (Zachary), McKayla Boyce (Ethan), and Nathan. Kristopher was a gentle giant who dearly loved his family. He worked hard to make sure their every need was met. Being with them, whether working or playing, was his favorite place to be! Kristopher had a strong testimony of God and his Savior, Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ, his family, and a love for our country were first and foremost in his life. In addition to his mission, he served in many capacities in the church including as a worker in the Mt. Timpanogos temple, in various Young Men presidencies, Elders Quorum Presidencies, High Priest Group Leadership, Sunday School and Primary teacher. He was a Boy Scout and earned his Wood Badge Beads as a Scout leader. He loved the scouting program and the young men he served. He was looking forward to resuming meetings and activities with his scout troop next week as COVID-19 restrictions had changed to allow that. Kristopher had a fervent love for his country and for those who served to preserve and protect. Anytime he would see our military, police, and other public servants in uniform, he would make his way over to them and thank them for their service. He also loved building and creating things. His hobbies included gun collecting, reloading, shooting, fishing, and collecting clocks. Christmas was his favorite time of year because he was Santa’s favorite helper! He loved the magic and peace that came when people focused on Christlike service, generosity, kindness, and love. He also loved the story of the first Christmas, the music, movies, lights, cold, and snow. He was known to start Christmas music playing months ahead. Kristopher was successful in several professional endeavors, but his favorite job was his last. He so enjoyed working as a bus driver for UTA. Serving the public made him happy. He raved about his co-workers and supervisors and treasured the friendships made at work. He looked forward to driving each day and hoped to continue for years to come. Kristopher is survived by his mother, wife, children, 4.5 grandchildren - Joel, Avery, Micah, Emery, and soon to be Ellison Rose, his Siblings – Kelly (Ashlee), K. Maurice (Sharon), Kasey, Kimball (Melissa), and Chanar Conley (Brian), and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. Services to celebrate the life of this great man will take place Thursday, May 14, 2020. A viewing and funeral for Kristopher’s immediate family will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 990 N 100 W, Orem, UT, with the viewing from 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and funeral service at 12:30 p.m. This service will be streamed live for the extended family and friends. A graveside service, open to the public, will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the American Fork Cemetery (600 North between Center Street and 100 East). Condolences can be sent to the family at www.premierfuneral.com.