Lucious Newsom, Renowned Advocate For Poor, Dies

INDIANAPOLIS -- A man who made it his life's mission to feed those who could not adequately feed themselves died Monday night at the age of 93.

Lucious Newsom (pictured) had been hospitalized at St. Francis in Beech Grove. He had run a pantry mission for 20 years and he had been honored just two months ago for decades of service.

"I don't know that the man can be replaced," said Phillip White, who lives in Newsom's neighborhood. "I think he was a visionary to do what he's done in this community."

In 2006, Newsom founded Anna's House, which was used to feed the hungry and provide a safe haven in a rough and tumble neighborhood, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

Anna's House was named after Anna Molloy, a 12-year-old girl who suffered from a rare form of dwarfism. She died a little more than two weeks ago.

Volunteers built Anna's House, and the will and work of Newsom sustained the ministry.

"If you find a 90-year-old man stronger than me, I'd like to meet him," Newsom said a few short years ago.

For more than two decades, Newsom served the community in many ways, including tutoring, job placement and medical clinics at Anna's House.

Just two months ago, Indianapolis Colts players and coaches, politicians and business leaders praised Newsom's efforts and aided his plan to raise money to build a shelter for battered women and children.

Newsom had also turned his attention to those afflicted by June's flooding in the southern half of the state.

Gov. Mitch Daniels visited Newsom in the hospital just hours before his death.

"In his selflessness, humility and abiding devotion, Lucious lived his faith in a way we lesser people can only hope to approach," read a statement from Daniels. "We can say with complete assurance he has entered through the narrow gate and walks among the saints."