Tristen Michael Newman

Tristen Michael Newman, 22, of Orange lost his greatest battle on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Tristen was born on May 31, 1998 to his loving mother, Rebekah Robinson in Monroe, Louisiana.

It would be so easy to talk about Tristen and his large and loving family. About how Tristen was a giving kind soul who would sooner give you the shirt off his back than to see someone in need. To focus on the soundtrack of Tristen’s life that was his deep love of music and fishing on any kind of water he could find. The stories of shenanigans that Tristen got into with Logan, Brad, Chris, Jace and his partner in crime since childhood, Nick Auffant would probably keep you busy for hours; and you could even talk about how he loved to listen to his buddy Jace play his guitar and sing. But to do so would a disservice to the heart of who Tristen was; because deep down on a core level, Tristen was a great brother who loved his brothers above all others and a young man who fought a tragic battle with both mental health and drug addiction.

Over the course of a life that was ended too soon, Tristen often felt that he was failing those around him- particularly his brothers- by not being able to simply “be better”. The tidal wave of struggles that eventually would take Tristen from his family and friends was wholly due to a struggle with mental illness that led Tristen to seek comfort and escape in drugs. This battle was not always a battle that Tristen felt he was winning, but in recent weeks a passion for recovery and helping others (as only Tristen could) really overcame him. Daily videos speaking out against the suppression of the reality of mental health in our younger population and the harsh realities of fighting drug addiction really highlighted the best characteristic of Tristen, his deep and unwavering wish to be the best example and brother to his younger siblings whom he loved more than anything.

So if you do anything today, do this in memory of Tristen- realize the reality of the mental health crisis our youth are facing today and support those who are fighting (and sometimes losing) their battles with drug addiction. Because this is how you honor the life of a bright handsome young man who was trying so hard to be the best version of himself.

Left to carry on the memory of Tristen is his mother, Rebekah Robinson and husband Rusty; his siblings, Brittney Smith and husband Jacob, Haleigh Bryant and husband Caleb, James Stark Jr., Gavin Stark and Tyler Kuhstoss; his step-brother, Gabriel and step-sister, Kay; his nieces and nephews, Hallie, Billy, and Braxston; his beloved Aunt Sue and Uncle Bubba (Marilyn and Cedrick Carroll); his uncle, Josh Ohler; his best friend since he was 12-years-old, Nick Auffant; and numerous friends, co-workers, and extended family members.

Tristen is finally free of his struggles and reunited with his family in heaven to include his grandmothers, Maxine Shelton and Elissa Fontenot; his brother Tyler James Stark; and his niece, Serena.

To remember and honor the life of Tristen Michael Newman, the family will have a time of Visitation on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Lumberton Family Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Orange Seventh-day Adventist Church at 1:00 PM. Immediately following the funeral services, Tristen will be laid to rest at The Cemetery in Orange.

Serving as pallbearers will be James Stark Jr., Gavin Stark, Nick Auffant, Brad Ozan, Jacob Smith, Jace Nunnelly, Chris Bukowsky, and Patrick Gouthro. Honorary pallbearers will be Ruben Leonard and Gabriel Robinson.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tristen Michael Newman, please visit our floral store.