WMU Basketball Players Dr. Emanuel T. “Manny” Newsome, 83, Passes Away Leaving His Wife Nellie And Family Behind

Newsome is remembered for a life of excellence and service.

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Dr. Manny Newsome’s death at age 83 leaves a lasting legacy in athletics, academia, and community service.

The Western Michigan University athletics community and collegiate basketball mourn the loss of Dr. Emanuel T. “Manny” Newsome, a Hall of Fame athlete and distinguished educator who transformed both the court and campus during his remarkable life.

At 83, Newsome’s passing marks the end of an era for those who witnessed his extraordinary achievements in sports and academia.

Newsome’s athletic journey began in Gary, Indiana, where he starred at Theodore Roosevelt High School in both basketball and track.

The multi-sport athlete helped lead the track and field program to a state championship while earning recognition as a member of the prestigious Indiana All-Star basketball team and Roosevelt’s state championship mile relay team.

These early accomplishments foreshadowed the greatness that would define his collegiate career.

In 1960, Newsome accepted a basketball scholarship to Western Michigan University, where he would etch his name permanently into the history of collegiate basketball.

Over his three-year varsity career from 1961 to 1964, he established himself as one of the most prolific scorers the sport had ever seen.

His senior year performance was particularly spectacular, as he led the nation in scoring for a significant portion of the season while averaging an astounding 32.7 points per game.

Among his most memorable performances were two 45-point games against Michigan State and Toledo during the 1963-64 season.

Recognition for Newsome’s extraordinary talent came from multiple sources throughout his collegiate career.

He earned three consecutive All-MAC First Team selections, demonstrating consistent excellence at the conference level.

Following his stellar 1963-64 season, the National Association of Basketball Coaches named him an All-American, cementing his status among the nation’s elite players.

His talents also caught the attention of Olympic selectors, earning him an invitation to participate in the 1964 U.S. Olympic Trials.

The honors continued long after his playing days ended. Western Michigan University inducted him into their Athletics Hall of Fame in 1974, followed by the Mid-American Conference Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994.

Most recently, the Gary Indiana Sports Hall of Fame recognized his contributions in 2024.

Newsome’s success extended far beyond the basketball court. He earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Speech and his Master of Science degree in Physical Education from Western Michigan University, graduating in 1964 and 1965, respectively.

He began his professional journey at Western Michigan University in the Office of Financial Aid, serving as a counselor and field representative.

His educational advancement continued as he pursued doctoral studies at Indiana State University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Services in Higher Education in 1976.

He further enhanced his credentials through post-doctoral studies at Harvard University, receiving a certificate in Management and Development in Higher Education.

Dr. Manny Newsome’s Death Marks End of a Legacy

Dr. Emanuel “Manny” Newsome passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, in his hometown of Boca Raton, Florida, at the age of 83.

Born on March 21, 1942, in Gary, Indiana, to Emanuel and Minnie Newsome, he was the youngest of two children and lived a life that exemplified excellence, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievement.

The news of his passing sent waves of grief throughout the Western Michigan University community and beyond.

Dan Bartholomae, Western Michigan’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, captured the sentiment of many when he said,

“As the only Bronco men’s basketball student-athlete with a retired number, Dr. Manny Newsome has left a legacy of excellence with our basketball program and university. That excellence includes recognition as an All-American and WMU Athletics Hall of Fame member, but also as an accomplished student affairs professional at WMU and several other distinguished institutions. We all mourn this loss and hold his family in our hearts.”

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Dr. Newsome was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel and Minnie, and his brother Benjamin.

He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory, including his devoted wife Nellie, who also attended Western Michigan University.

His children, Eric, Ericka, and Dr. Kimberly Newsome, carry forward his legacy, along with his grandchildren, Brandon, Jalen, Diamond, Sapphire, and Emmanuel Newsome, as well as a host of relatives and friends whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

The family has arranged for memorial services with flowers to be delivered to Straghn & Son Tri-City Funeral Home in Delray Beach, Florida, with services scheduled for early June 2025.

The funeral home coordinates the transfer of floral arrangements to the service location, ensuring that those who wish to pay their respects can do so appropriately.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • After his initial role at WMU, Newsome served as the Director of the State Talent Search Program for the State Scholarship Commission in Indianapolis before pursuing his doctoral studies.
  • At Florida Atlantic University, he held the additional title of Distinguished Service Professor of Educational Leadership alongside his role as Senior Vice President for Student Affairs.
  • In addition to his other Hall of Fame inductions, Newsome was also inducted into the Gary Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding high school athletic achievements.

Aditya Rana
Aditya Rana
Aditya Rana is a skilled editor and writer with a passion for curating compelling content that resonates with sports enthusiasts. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, he ensures that each piece meets the highest standards of quality and engages readers on a meaningful level.

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