Howard Lee Newkirk

Howard Lee Newkirk was born on Wednesday, February 25, 1925, in Kiowa, Kansas. He was the son of David and Mattie (Brown) Newkirk. Howard lived in Independence, Missouri for thirty years and in Ottawa for fifteen before moving to the Lyndon, Kansas area in 1994, where he made his home until his death on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at the age of eighty-two years. Howard worked ten years as a heavy equipment operator for J.D. Stewart in Independence, Missouri, retiring in 1987. He served in the United States Army during World War II from January 3, 1944 until April 20, 1946, attaining the rank of Corporal. He served in Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe as a Dispatcher-Driver and received the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal AR 600-68, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with three Bronze Stars. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Memorial Post #1000 in Independence, Missouri; and a life member of Ottawa Lodge #18, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and Aerie Lodge #2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles, both of Ottawa and a life member of Scottish Rite of Free Masonry. In 1952 Howard was united in marriage with Catherine Berry. He was preceded in death by his parents; companion, Genevieve Arb; brothers, Alva L. Newkirk and Orville Newkirk, sister, Docia Ellen Morgan and grandson, Daryll Brisbin. Howard is survived by daughters, Holly Solas and her husband, Mike, of Kansas City, Missouri, Donna Hashagen and Bob Pulliam, of Arma, Kansas and Pamela Harris of Salt Lake City, Utah; sister, Alice M. Woodsum, of Lawrence, Kansas; brother, Orley Hale Newkirk of Savana, Missouri; grandchildren, Shawn Solas, Tracy Solas, Frank Brisbin, Sr., Barry Harris, Tim Harris, Dan Harris, and Angela Harris Nowling; great grandchildren, Tyler Solas, Cara Brisbin-Burns, Frank Brisbin, Jr., Asher Harris, Micah Harris, Sariah Harris, Brooklyn Nowling and Caitlin Harris; and great-great grandsons, Brandon and Blayke Burns. SERVICES: Graveside inurnment services will be held Thursday 2:00 P.M. at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa. Masonic services by Ottawa Lodge #18. IN STATE: He was cremated. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Disabled American Veterans c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.