Obit of Newkirk, Dave G. - Canadian County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 25 Sep 2005 Return to Canadian County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/canadian/canadian.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.html ========================================================================== Newkirk, Dave G. Dave G. Newkirk died peacefully August 16, 2005 in Yukon, OK at the age of 74. He was born July 13, 1931 in Blackwell, OK to C.E. and Nannie Newkirk, who inspired him with a lifelong competitive spirit and love of baseball. This spirit led to a decorated baseball career starting with a professional contract in the KOM league immediately out of high school. This contract embarrassed him because his mother had to sign the contract due to his young age. He also played for the Air Force from 1952-1955, and was the MVP for his World Championship Team in 1954. He later played for the Kansas City Athletics. A promising professional career was set back due to an injury in 1960 leading Dave to play many years in semi-pro ball. He was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. His professional and semi-pro playing, scouting and coaching career reflected his motto; 'Whatever you do in life, give 100%!" Dave moved his family to OKC in 1975 to further his career with Anadarko Production Co. He retired in 1986. Realizing retirement was not for him, he joined Chaparral Energy, LLC in 1990 and was there until final retirement in 1996. Dave is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Frank Newkirk. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Charlene Newkirk; father-in-law, Charles Gilland; brother, Clifford Earl Newkirk, Jr.; children, Stephanie Russell, Melissa Sager and her husband Jerry, Nancy Kathleen Johnston, Kelley Newkirk, Shawn Newkirk and wife Linda, Patrick Newkirk and wife Jacquelyn, Erin Newkirk Workman and husband Mike, 15 beloved grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, loving cousins and a multitude of friends nation wide. He had a passion for baseball, hunting and boating. As for the true loves of his life: his wife, children and grandchildren and being in the stands whether it was for scholastic achievements, baseball, cheerleading, track, marathons, 5K's, 10Ks, softball, football, gymnastics, dance, or most recently swim competition by phone. He was so proud of their accomplishments with 1st Place, National Champs, State Champs and City Champs, Scholastic Honor Rolls, they never let him down. Papa, Grandpa Newk, Dad we'll miss your 'Way to go" always in the stands. Will never forget hunting trips to Liberal, Kansas. Goodbye my Man of the House; see you later, my love. Mercer Adams Funeral Service, 3925 N. Asbury, will hold a visitation service Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:00. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 19, 2005 at Western Oaks Christian Church where he was a 30-year member. Interment will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Western Oaks Christian Church Memorial Fund. MERCER-ADAMS Published in The Oklahoman on 8/18/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Canadian County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/canadian/canadian.html