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Obituary
Ned W. Newkirk
1942 - 2018
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NED W. NEWKIRK Ned Wendell Newkirk, 76, died Friday, September
14, 2018, in Riverside, California. He passed from complications of a
medical procedure. Ned had lived at his home in Moreno Valley,
California for the past forty years. The youngest son of Claude Newkirk
and Lillie-Mae Platz Newkirk, Ned was born January 31, 1942 in
Shelbyville, Missouri. He was one of seven children and grew up in a
farming community. Recollections of Ned's childhood always brought him
much pleasure. On November 26, 1966, Ned married Dawn Roemer at the
Macon Baptist Church in Macon, Missouri. During the first few years of
marriage Ned and his wife finished their education at Northeast Missouri
State College and entered the teaching profession. After receiving his
master's degree in education, Ned and his wife moved to Moreno Valley,
California where he was employed by the Riverside Unified School
District for thirty years. During this time he made many lifelong
friends at Chemawa Middle School where he taught Industrial Arts.
Additionally, he was a driver's education instructor for the district.
In 2002 Ned retired from his teaching duties to pursue his many passions
such as gardening, cooking, and spending time with friends and
relatives. Membership in the Maywood Gun Club also afforded Ned many
enjoyable activities. An extremely loving and caring man, Ned was
devoted to his family. He nurtured his two children in an exemplary
manner. He adored his four year old grandson who spent many hours
sharing time with Grandpa. Multi-talented, this U.S. Army
veteran with a winsome personality embellished his daughter's ballet
shoes, served as assistant Scout Master for his son's Boy Scout troop,
taught hunter safety classes to area residents, created oil paintings
which he delighted in gifting to loved ones, and designed a lovely rose
garden complete with irrigation system, a gift for his wife. Blessed
with a spirit of helpfulness, he consistently offered assistance to
others in their time of need, lending emotional support to those going
through difficulties in their lives and once giving days of his sick
leave to a fellow teacher going through extended cancer treatments.
Driving to another state, he remodeled a kitchen for his sister-in-law,
Faith Wong, and many times Ned provided loving care for his sick
mother-in-law. Jolliness was his signature trait. His quick wit and
humorous jokes kept others in good spirits. His strong sense of
responsibility and trustworthiness were attributes greatly appreciated
by all who knew him. Ned and Dawn celebrated their Golden Wedding
Anniversary in November 2016. During his final years, he courageously
battled three forms of cancer with dignity and a fervent commitment to
live. His wonderful sense of humor and wit remained intact to the very
end. Visits from family and friends were the healing tonic he most
loved. His passing leaves a tremendous void in those who loved him. He
was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; J.C. Newkirk, Bob
Newkirk, Byrl Newkirk, Lyle Newkirk; and infant sister, Elaine Newkirk.
Surviving are his wife Dawn, his son Timothy Lance Newkirk (MaryLouise),
his daughter, Tiffany Dawn Cheney (Jonathan), one grandchild, Daniel
Richmond Newkirk, one sister, Janet Eaton (Stanley) of Macon, Missouri
and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Ned's life will be held
Saturday, October 6, 2018, at 11:00 am at the Grove Community Church in
Riverside California. A visitation will be held October 9, 2018 at 11:00
am to 1:00 pm at the Arlington Mortuary in Riverside, California
followed by interment at the Riverside National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. In
lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Stand Up To Cancer
which can be brought to the service and dropped in the donation box.
Published in Press-Enterprise on Sept. 29, 2018 |
