Robert Wesley Newkirk, 70, Bellefontaine, passed away at 4:31 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, in Hospice of Central Ohio in The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.
He was born in Bellefontaine on Nov. 1, 1952, the son of the late Charles O. and Alberta May (Cavinder) Newkirk. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas Skeen and Charles “Fred” Newkirk, a sister, Betty Lou Newkirk, and two half-brothers, Harold Newkirk and Jack Newkirk.
On July 1, 1973, he married Mary (Allmon) Newkirk in the Bellefontaine First United Methodist Church, and she survives along with two sons, Gregory (Amber) Newkirk and Nathan (Shawna) Newkirk, both of Bellefontaine, four grandchildren; Kyndal, Karsyn, Breyden, and Bexley Newkirk, numerous nieces and nephews including a special niece, Deb Roberts of Kenton.
Bob was a 1971 graduate of Bellefontaine High School and worked for Honda of America, Marysville until his retirement in August of 2008, after 30 years. Bob was a longtime member of the Bellefontaine United Methodist Church and a life member of F.O.E. #2166 and past state officer of the F.O.E.
He enjoyed retirement by working part-time with jobs including, doing taxes, driving for TLC Transportation. A stroke in 2015 changed plans for retirement and his life. Bob waited for Mary to retire, and they enjoyed some travel together on bus trips. A second stroke in 2020 decreased his lifestyle a little more. He was content sitting in his easy chair and the occasional eating out. A third stroke in November took him away from his beloved family. He will be remembered forever in the hearts of his wife, boys, his grandchildren, his family. Hold your loved ones close, as life can be changed in a moment.
Pastor Joe Ziraldo will officiate a funeral service on Friday, December 16, at noon in the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service, 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bellefontaine First United Methodist Church, 201 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Newkirk family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.