Don Delano Newkirk

Don Delano Newkirk, age 76, of Des Arc, Arkansas died Monday, November 8, 2010, at his home. He was born August 6, 1934, in the Hurricane Community outside of Roe, Arkansas, to the late I.T. and Thelma Slaughter Newkirk. After graduating from Hazen High School in 1952, he farmed briefly before becoming a machinist with Motor Bearing Service in Little Rock. In 1963, his love of the outdoors led him to a career as a wildlife officer with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He retired as a corporal in 2001 after serving Prairie County for 38 years. Don was passionate about sharing his love for hunting, fishing, and gardening with others. He was a member of Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher for several years. Don never missed an opportunity to share the gospel of Christ with those around him. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ann Wagner Newkirk; sons, Jeff (Janet) Newkirk of Forney, Texas and Keith (Fara) Newkirk of Sheridan; grandsons, Jonathon (Chelsea) Newkirk of Lolo, Mont., Jeremy Newkirk of Forney, Texas and Alex Newkirk of Sheridan; great-granddaughter, Ava Newkirk of Lolo, Mont.; sister, Jeanette (Charles) King of DeValls Bluff; and numerous family and friends. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 10, from 6-8 p.m. at Garth Funeral Home in Des Arc. Funeral services are at 2 p.m., Thursday, November 11, at Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church in Des Arc. Pallbearers are Timmy Felty, Billy Hinson, Leon Moon, Alex Newkirk, Jeremy Newkirk, Jeffery Reidhar, Johnny Reidhar, and Jim Wallace. Honorary pallbearers are Jonathon Newkirk, Guy King, Bruce King, and numerous retired and active wildlife officers. On-line guest register www.garthfuneralhome.com.