Stanley Paul Newsome, Sr.

Stanley P. Newsome, Sr. was the third child of Honer and Bessie Newsome. Born and raised in the City of St. Louis. Stanley was a graduate of Sumner Hight School. After working several jobs including the U.S. Postal Service, he discovered his true passion as firefighter for the City of St. Louis. He was accepted as a fire recruit in 1962. He rose through the ranks becoming Captain (1978), Battalion Chief (1986), and Deputy Chief (1990) before retiring in 2000.

His rise through the ranks was not without some bumps in the road. Facing racism, discrimination and limited opportunities for the increasing number black firefighters joining the department. He was a founding member of F.I.R.E., a black fire fraternal organization formed in 1967 as their way to address these concerns. A landmark lawsuit was filed on their behalf which lead to a consent decree which resulted in a 50/50 hiring and promotion practices. He inspired his son Stanley, Jr. to join the ranks of the Fire Department. That was history in the making as they were the first African American father and son to the agency.

 Stanley has received numerous accolades and awards. 1995 “Employee of the Year” for the City of St. Louis, 2003 nominee for the Burger King Corporation “Urban Everyday Heroes”, 2005 was appointed by Mayor of St. Louis as Commissioner to the City of St. Louis Civil Service Commission, 2019 “Neighborhood Business of the Year” from the City of St. Louis. Additionally, he was the editor and contributing writer for the City of St. Louis “Fireline” quarterly newsletter, journalist for the Lime-Light Newspaper, and contributor to the St. Louis Argus Newspaper. In 2023, he was named to the Sumner High School Hall of Fame.

  Stanley was the Fire Department coordinator for the annual City vs County (now Guns & Hoses) boxing exhibition which directly benefits the Backstoppers. In 1999 he was profiled in the book “Lift Every Voice and Sing” which featured 100 prominent Black St. Louis residents.

 Stanley served the City of St. Louis as Fire Fighter and Civil Service Commissioner. He was a mentor and teacher to many. He fought for fairness and equality. He was a hero to his family and friend to all who knew him. He leaves to honor his memory, his children: Stanley Jr. (Vicki), Kenneth (Lisa), James, Paul (Angela) and stepdaughter Regina; and grandchildren: Jason (Wannie), Corey, Hillary, Sidney, Clayton, Erin, and Dana.

SERVICES: a Visitation will be held in the Great Hall of Ambruster Chapel from 3 pm until 8 pm on Sunday, July 28th, 2024. Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, July 29th, 2024, with Interment to follow at Bellefontaine Cemetery ( 4947 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115).

The Family would like to invite you to share photos and memories of Stanley here on his Memorial page. Please submit your photos to AmbrusterChapel@yahoo.com.

To view shared photos and videos please click on the following link: Photo album