Clifford L. "Cliff" Newman

Clifford Lee "Cliff" Newman, 78, of Lake Charles, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 11:15pm surrounded by his family.  He was born on October 11, 1942 in Sulphur, LA.  He lived in Lake Charles where he practiced law for over 49 years.  

Cliff graduated from LaGrange High School in 1960 and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for four years.  Upon his return home, he attended and graduated from McNeese State University, then continued his education at Loyola Law School, where he served as the school's newspaper editor.

In 1971 he began his law practice.  In 1973 at the age of 31, he was elected to the Lake Charles City Council; up to that time, the youngest-ever elected member.  He served as the President of the Louisiana Jaycees, US Jaycees National Vice President, and World Vice President of Jaycees International.  In 1980 he was elected to serve District 26 as a Louisiana State Senator.  He served with Governor David Treen until 1984 and Governor Edwin Edwards until 1988.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children Julie Newman Johnson (Chris) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; Laurie Michelle Newman (Ali Hassan) of New Orleans; and Jonathan Blake Newman (Ambrial) of Lake Charles; step children Summer Craig Dooley of Martin, TN; Spring Nicole Guillory of Westlake, and Edward Anthony Guillory of Lake Charles; brothers Curtiss Newman, Terry Lynn Newman, Raleigh Newman and sister Joyce Newman Cooper, all of Lake Charles; twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eulice and Eliza Newman; siblings Roland James Newman, Elton “EJ” Thibodeaux, Charles James Newman, Edlyn Jeanne Newman, and Rose Mae Romero; and granddaughter, Lola Newman Hassan.

Cliff touched and inspired the lives of so many people.  He was always giving of himself to his family, his community and to anyone in need.  He was a devoted father and grandfather.  He was always ready to engage in stories regarding his life experiences and challenges.  He will be dearly missed by everyone.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday at Lake City Baptist Church, 3940 Holly Hill Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70605 from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a cursillo rosary being recited at 6:45 PM.  Visitation will resume on Wednesday at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church from 12:30 PM until the start of the funeral mass at 1:30 PM with Monsignor Daniel Torres officiating.  Burial will follow immediately thereafter in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

Due to the spread of Covid, masks are required and please respect social distancing.