James Milo “Hambone” Newkirk, Sr., 72, died June 15, 2015, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.  Born June 3, 1943 at Osage City, he was the son of Forest and Elizabeth (Korf) Newkirk.  
He married Nadine Adams May 1, 1962 at Great Bend.  They later divorced.  He was owner and operator 281 Auto Salvage and the Silver Slipper.
Mr. Newkirk was a long time Great Bend resident.  He was a member of First Street Church of God and SRCA drag strip. He was the beloved father to five but dad to many.
Survivors include his former wife and friend, Nadine Erskin; his son, James M. “Mike” Newkirk, Jr. of Great Bend; four daughters: Angela Noblitt and her husband Bob of Great Bend, Jacque King and her husband Jeremy of Great Bend, Jessica Peoples and her husband Marshal of Great Bend, and Jennifer McKenna and her husband Sean of Larned; his sister, Betty Davis of Hoisington; two brothers, Frank Newkirk of Hoisington, and Don Newkirk and his wife Diane of Great Bend; and nine grandchildren: Michel Noblitt Maneth, Kimber Noblitt, James Milo “Trey” Newkirk, III, Griffin King, Grae King, Kannyon Peoples, Kynnedy Peoples, Lili McKenna, and Alex McKenna; and two great-grandchildren: Pyper Maneth and Ryker Maneth.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Eugene Newkirk; two sisters, Lucille Stout and Georgia Dyer.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 18, at 10 a.m. at Bryant Funeral Home with the Reverend Dick Ogle officiating.  Inurnment will be at Great Bend Cemetery North, Great Bend.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, at Bryant Funeral Home.  Memorials are suggested to Clara Barton Foundation or First Street Church of God, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by    
Bryant Funeral Home*    
1425 Patton Road    
Great Bend, Kansas    67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 16, 2015