David Lynn Newkirk, 71, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024, at home with family.  He was born July 21, 1953, at St. Mary's Hospital in Emporia, Kansas.  He is the son of Merle and Ermadean (Shultz) Newkirk.

David graduated from Burlington High School in 1971 and after graduation went on to attend the University of Kansas in Lawrence.  He married Pamela Newsome in 1975 in Burlington, KS and they later divorced.  David spent his life working in construction where he served in varying roles. He was a craftsman with his hands and a wordsmith with his mind. He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. He had a playful spirit and loved to have fun, joke, and laugh.  He enjoyed motorcycles, race cars, western movies, and classical music.  He spent countless hours working on remodeling projects with his daughter after retirement and always seemed to find a new use for old things.   David was also an avid dog lover.  Currently the proud owner of Prince a well loved dachshund.

David was preceded in death by his parents Merle and Ermadean, grandparents Newell and Illas Newkirk and William and Velma Shultz, brother Gary Newkirk, and dogs Simba and Phyllo.

Surviving family members include children Heather (Monte) Aylward of Emporia and Clinton (Melinda) Newkirk Westminster, CO Sisters Susie (Ronald) Gutsch, Burlington and Sherry (Roger) Wallace of Bella Vista, Arkansas.  He was a proud grandfather to Calle, Tyler, Allison Arndt, Riyan Aylward,  Amber & Jaiden Newkirk, all of who will cherish his memory and the love he shared with them.

A celebration of life will be held on November 16th at Kelly Hall in Burlington, KS from 3-5pm or at his daughter's home in Emporia that evening from 630-830.

Memorial Contributions will go to the Emporia Humane Society and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.