Gene Newkirk

Chris was born on March 12, 1946 in Helena, Arkansas to George and Mary Lee Newkirk. He was raised in Helena, before moving to Amarillo, where he graduated from Amarillo High School in 1965. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1966, serving in the Vietnam War. There, he earned the Purple Heart due to being injured during combat. He was honorably discharged in 1969. Upon his return home, Chris married Cindy Brown on November 1, 1969. She preceded him in death in 2006. In his free time, he was an avid hunter, taking many memorable hunting trips with friends and family. He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Smith and husband Bob of Valle de Oro; son, Toby Newkirk and wife Jessica of Wheeler; 3 grandsons, Heath Newkirk of Lubbock and Creed and Cash Newkirk of Wheeler; brother, Bob Newkirk of St. Charles, Ark; sister, Nancy Jackson and husband Cliff of West Memphis, Ark and sister-in-law, Gwen Newkirk of Helena, Ark and several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, George, Harry and Doug Newkirk and his wife, Cindy Newkirk. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516

Visitation Schedule

Cox Funeral Home 4180 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79109 Monday, January 09, 2017 6:00-8:00 P.M.

Service Schedule

Funeral Service Cox Funeral Home 4180 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79109 Tuesday, January 10, 2017 10:00 A.M.