HOISINGTON — Travis Earl Newkirk, 45, of Hoisington, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at Clara Barton Hospital due to a sudden illness. Many of us think he died from a broken heart.

A longtime resident of Hoisington, Travis was born Oct. 30, 1976. He was the son of Frank and Sandy Newkirk.

He was survived by his sister Debi and husband Larry Von Lintel of Goodland, Kan. She is the only immediate family remaining. He was survived by his niece Jeree Schuerman of Great Bend, Kan., Jessica Schuerman and Ultralight Smith of Arlington, Kan., Elizabeth Sykes and Thomas Sykes of Wichita; nephew Robert and Amanda Rarick of Houston, Texas, and Kari Rarick of Hill City, Kan.; five great-nieces and seven great nephews. Several aunts and uncles. He was survived by many friends that were like family. Travis was preceded in death by his father (Frank); mother (Sandy); brother Scott Schuerman; and brother Rick; grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Debi remembers the kind loving brother and how he looked out for her. When she was in the hospital fighting for her life, he would continue to tell her to fight for her life as that is what their dad would want as her dad continued to fight his own battle. Debi remembers when he was little, she would protect him from anything. He was way too early to pass and would tell everyone he was fine. The two of them would argue about KSU and OU. I believe he is looking down and laughing at her as she is decorating his urn with OU stickers.

He loved helping kids and watching his great nieces and nephews doing their activities. He enjoyed wrestling and helping his great nephews as they wrestled. He helped coach them.

Travis had friends all over. Everyone seemed to know him. As a friend, Travis was as loyal as they come. He always made sure to let people know how much he appreciated their friendship. He would do anything to help a friend out. His love for his alma mater, the Hoisington Cardinals, especially football and wrestling, was no secret. Travis never missed a chance to razz someone about his favorite college team, the OU Sooners, beating their team. Last, but not least, his love for racing and demolition derbies was another area of his life that he was involved in some way or another.

There will be a celebration of Life for Travis Newkirk on April 16, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 114 North Main Street in Hoisington, Kan., where luncheon will be served. The family would like to hear from anybody any stories people would like to share about why Travis so special to them. We will set up memorial tables.

Memorials can be made for funeral expenses or to Hoisington Cardinal Wrestling Club. Mailed to Debi Von Lintel, 306 E 11th, Goodland, KS 67735.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 10, 2022