Douglas Patten Newburn

Douglas Patten Newburn, also known to others as Pat, Reb, D.P., Douglas, Doug, Unc, Reverend Newburn, Daddy, and Papa was a man with many titles, but he was also a man full of compassion, humility, God fearing faith, and unconditional love for his family. Douglas (Pat) transitioned on Sunday February 21, 2021 at his home in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Douglas was born December 29, 1943 in the community of Mt. Morriah, Arkadelphia Arkansas. He was the 12^th child of 13 children born to Joseph Samuel Newburn and Josie Ella Knox Newburn, whom both preceded him in death. Being next to the youngest child, he was raised by his parents as well as his older siblings. Some of his nieces and nephews were his playmates and were more like his brothers and sisters.

Douglas Newburn accepted Christ at an early age. As a child he was a member of the Mt. Morriah Baptist Church where his father Rev. J.S. Newburn pastored from 1928 to 1961. He was called to preach as a young adult. He went on to pastor his own churches, Oak Grove Baptist Church in Fordyce, Arkansas and Whelen Springs Baptist Church in Whelen Springs, Arkansas. When he moved to Portland, Oregon he joined the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church pastured by Rev. Felton Howard. He was an Associate Minister at Antioch. Later he moved to Opelousas, Louisiana where he was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church pastured by Rev. Brian Keith Alford and song in the Mt. Olive Men’s Choir.

Douglas attended Mt. Morriah Elementary School and Peake High School. He later joined the Navy as an Engineer on the U.S. Kitty Hawk. He also was a member of the Army Reserves as an Engineer and Transporter. He fought in and served during the Vietnam War.

Douglas was the most kindhearted man. He would give you the shirt off his back. He saw himself as an honorable man, but so did those that crossed his path. He would do anything to always help and lend a helping hand. Douglas enjoyed gardening and working in his yard. He also enjoyed cooking, baking, fishing, hunting, singing, and fixing on what nots. He even owned his own small repair shop, Doug’s Small Engine in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.  He especially enjoyed his many grand kids and watching them grow, while admiring their accomplishments. He always had a story to make you laugh. He knew exactly what to say to brighten your day. His laugh was infectious!

He was a former employee of Reynolds Metal Company in Gum Springs, Arkansas and Portland, Oregon. He also was an employee of Freightliner’s in Portland, Oregon, in which he retired.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 35 years, Dorethia Owens Newburn, his seven brothers, Henry L. Newburn, Albert Newburn, Cleveland Maurice Newburn (2005), Rev. Franklin Newburn (2006), Willie A. Newburn (2007), Carl E. Newburn (2011), J.V. Newburn (2016), and Rev. James Sylvester Newburn (2017), three sisters, Carola Wilson (2005), Flossie Morgan (2010), and Evelyn Harrison (2020).

Douglas leaves to cherish in his memory, his wife Linda Newburn, Opelousas, LA; sister, Maureen Owens Arkadelphia, AR; his children Frederick Douglas Newburn, Hot springs, AR, LaSonya Wilson (Edelle) Milwaukee WI, Amanda Newburn(Steve) Portland, OR, Monica Newburn, Grand Prairie, TX, Dena Newburn Swift (Orlando), Ozan AR, Megan Newburn LeSueur (Dexteur), Portland,OR; Damien Bernard, Houston, TX, Tywone Lazard, Opelousas, LA, August Lazard Jr. (Shaquanta), Opelousas, LA; 17 grandchildren Constance, David, Shanara, Isaiah, Makayla, DeAwn, Alexis, Jada, A’Leah, Issah, Ikia, Olivia, Major, Malaya, Farrah, Abigail and Adilynn; 5 great grandkids, Ayden, Solomon, Emoni, Michael, and Ava; In-laws Brenda Newburn Malvern, Betty Newburn Arkadelphia, AR, Alvin Bernard Jr. (Ceola), Union City, CA, Charles Bernard Sr. (Paula), Opelousas, LA, Glenda Davis(Percy), Portland, OR, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and Mt. Olive Baptist Church family.

Submitted by the Newburn Family.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Morriah Baptist Church on Friday, February 26, 2021. Services will be held graveside at Newburn Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2021. Pallbearers will be Steve Riley, Dexteur LeSueur, Randall Newburn, Orlando Swift, Joey DeAwn Wash Jr.,and  David Peavy. Honorary pallbearers will be Felix Newburn, Haja Newburn, Josh Newburn, Shunn Harrison, Donnie Wilson, Major Jimmerson, Isaiah Muhammad, Damien Bernard, Tywone Lazard, and August Lazard, Jr.