David Mark Newkirk

David Mark Newkirk, 71, of Columbus, died Friday, December 7, 2018 at Community Hospital South in Greenwood. David, a native of Columbus, was born February 5, 1947 to Woodrow and Thelma Nolting Newkirk. He lived his entire life on the family's centennial farm. The farm received the Homestead Centennial Award. He was graduated from Columbus High School North and received his Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science in Education degree from Indiana University. He was a loyal Indiana University football fan and attended most of I.U.'s bowl games. David began his teaching career in the Chicago area and taught history and German in Anderson, Indiana and Columbus for many years. He was also the van driver for the Senior Citizen program (now Mill Race Center) and Just Friends for more than 20 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Clifty Lutheran Church. He was an avid traveler to historical landmarks and visited all capitol buildings in America. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, I.U. Alumni Association, I.U. Varsity Club, and Civil War Preservation Trust. David is survived by his brothers, Dewayne of Auburn, AL, and Delano of Bloomington; a niece, Liesl Purchase of Denver, CO; and a nephew, Christopher Newkirk of Edina, MN. His parents; a sister-in-law, Sandy Bridges Newkirk; and a nephew, Eric Newkirk, predeceased him. A funeral service will be 2 pm, Sunday, December 16, 2018, at St. Paul Clifty Lutheran Church, 6045 E State St., Columbus, with Pastor Doug Bauman officiating. Burial will follow in the church graveyard. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodrow and Thelma Newkirk Fund at the church.