He was born in Middletown, OH to Newell Newkirk and Kathleen (Underwood) Dickens and later moved to Franklin where he graduated high school in 1960.
Mike joined the Army National Guard in 1964 where he served in Ohio until 1969. During his service he helped provide security during the Dayton uprising in 1966. Mike was proud of his work at Armco later AK Steel where he retired after 43 years of service. He enjoyed working alongside many friends and family members during his time at AK.
Mike married his longtime girlfriend Sandy (Vest) Newkirk on January 14, 1989. Later that year on June 21, 1989 they welcomed their daughter Samantha Newkirk who was the light of their life. On April 17, 2011 he stood behind the curtain in the delivery room as his only grandson Zachary Newkirk was born. He was always proud of his daughter and grandson.
Mike spent many years playing bluegrass and gospel music on his guitar. He played in the band Southend Bluegrass Kids. He also enjoyed playing music with his friend Leo Howell, brother Mark Newkirk, and in-laws Beulah and Vernon Vest. Often times, you would walk into his home to him playing and singing.
Mike was a photographer; he never missed an opportunity to take dozens of pictures of friends and family. He was a CB operator with the CB handle of Chow Hound. He was an avid collector of guns and knives and a member of the NRA. He also stayed up-to-date on the latest technology and followed all sports.
Mike loved to travel for vacations and loved spending time with his friends and family. He always loved Christmas morning, he would get up hours before everyone else impatiently waiting for his family to wake up and open gifts.
Mike is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Father Newell Newkirk, Brother Todd Newkirk, Step-Father Charles Dickens, Father and Mother in-law Vernon and Beulah Vest, Sister in-law Dorothy Michael, and multiple aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his Wife Sandy Newkirk, Daughter Samantha Newkirk, Grandson Zachary Newkirk, Mother Kathleen Dickens, Sister Pamela (Wesley) Bryant, Sister Sue (Ronnie) Philpot, Brother Mark (Anita) Newkirk, Sister in-laws Donna (Bob) Quillen and Pam (Marty) Boratyn, Brother in-laws Vernon Vest, Larry (Martha) Vest, and David (Bridget) Vest, and multiple nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Michael will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. 2nd St., Franklin, Ohio 45005, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Franklin High School Marching Band.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersonfunerals-franklin.com for the Newkirk family.
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