HOISINGTON — Robert “Frank” Newkirk, 81, of Hoisington, passed away Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021 at Clara Barton Hospital due to a sudden illness.
A longtime resident of Hoisington, Frank was born Feb. 24, 1939. The son of Forrest and Elizabeth (Korf) Newkirk.
He joined the Air Force Feb. 29, 1956 to Feb. 28th, 1962. Frank was stationed at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo, San Diego, Calif., Pang Yang Do, Korea and Charleston, South Carolina.
He married Karen Collier in 1963 and later divorced. He married Sandy Carr in 1970.
Frank is survived by a sister, Betty Davis of Edmond, Okla.; a brother, Donald (Mouse) and Diane (Cuba) of Great Bend, Kan. His children, Deborah (Debi) and Larry Vonlintel of Goodland, Travis of Hoisington and Richard of Wichita. Grandchildren, Elizabeth (Beth) and Tom Sykes of Wichita, Bobby and Amanda Rarick of Houston, Texas, Kari Rarick of Hill City, Kan., Jessica Scheuerman of Arlington, Kan., Jeree Scheuerman of Hoisington; and 11 great grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandy; one son, Scott Scheuerman; two sisters, Lucille Stout and Georgia Dyer; two brothers, Jim (Hambone) Newkirk and Gene (Gizmo) Newkirk.
He was a lifetime member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. Frank owned and operated Westside Trucking for many years. After retirement he continued working for Doonan Truck up until his passing.
Frank was a generous kind man who loved his family and friends very much and would do everything he could for them. He loved the Cardinals and football very much, NASCAR racing, Dune Buggy trips, watching his children and grandchildren play sports and granddaughter perform at half time.
Honoring Frank’s request, cremation is planned. A fellowship to celebrate Frank’s life will be announced at a later date. Dove Cremations and Funerals – Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610 is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clara Barton Hospital for the excellent care Frank received and Hoisington Junior Wrestling Club. Send contributions to Diane Newkirk, 22 Antelope St., Great Bend, KS 67530. To leave a message of condolence for Frank’s family, or to share a special memory of Frank, go tohttps://www.dovetopeka.com/.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 7, 2021
