William F. Newkirk

NEWKIRK, Mr. William F.
Comstock, MI Died Thursday evening May 15, 2008. William was born April 2, 1934 in Kalamazoo, Michigan a son of Wilfred and Clara VanBruggen Newkirk. During the Korean Conflict he served with the U.S. Navy. He had been a lifelong Kalamazoo area resident and was employed with the James River Corporation for 34 years retiring in 1992. Following his retirement, he worked at the Hoag-Switzer Funeral Home for 15 years. He also served as Captain with the Comstock Fire Department for 22 years; and Assistant Chief with the Kalamazoo Township Lakewood Fire Station for 8 years. He was a life member of the Comstock V.F.W. Post #6252. He also enjoyed his frequent trips to Meijer's. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wilfred "Sonny" Newkirk; and 2 sisters, Anita Hamilton and Sadie Barron. On December 24, 1953, he was united in marriage to Edythe E. Tyler Newkirk who survives. Also surviving, 2 children, Leslie Daniel Butcher of Otsego, and Bradley Newkirk of New Orleans, LA; 5 grandchildren, Bree, Bryan, Brett, Blake, and Tyler; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Elaine Don Kidder of Carsonville, MI and Trudy Ramgren of Kalamazoo; an aunt; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his cat, Max. A memorial service will be held 10:30 Wednesday at the First Freewill Baptist Church, 630 Moline St. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be directed to the Animals Best Friends Organization. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. www.langelands.com . 343-1508.