Wayne Newkirk

Wayne Eugene Newkirk, died in West Des Moines, Iowa on February 18, 2025. He was 91 years old and had valiantly battled Parkinson disease and the effects of a recent fall. 

Wayne was born and raised on a family farm in Deer Creek, Oklahoma by parents Ralph and Hazel Newkirk with his older brother, JR, and sister, Doris. Wayne was an excellent student and excelled at learning, as evidenced by the five degrees and fellowships he earned: Oklahoma A&M - Bachelor of Science in Business, Oklahoma State - Masters of Science in Economics, Louisiana State University - Doctor of Philosophy, Louisiana State University - Economics Fellowship, and Drake University - Doctor of Jurisprudence. Wayne married Lilly Lou Spencer in 1952 and they had five children: Sherry Lynn Christensen, Linda Marie Hiller (Dan), Philip Alan Newkirk (Alice), Thomas Andrew Newkirk (Sondra) and Anthony Wayne Newkirk. 

Wayne's love of learning sparked a long career in teaching at universities across the country and culminated with 33 years at Drake University in Des Moines where he was awarded Professor Emeritus in 2000. In 1991, Wayne married Mary Beth Winkelmann, and they enjoyed a robust life together balancing family time, his teaching, their work together at E&F Consulting, traveling, and of course Wayne's beloved 200-acre farm outside of Winterset, IA.

In retirement, Wayne enjoyed golf and mastered woodworking, making finely crafted furniture, beautiful clocks, intricate jewelry boxes, and stunning turned bowls. He was an avid member of Des Moines' woodworking community and showed his work at the Iowa State Fair. Wayne also maintained his love of historical biographies of American politicians and enjoyed nothing more than sharing a good book or interesting story. He could also be relied on for his infectious laugh and sly sense of humor.

Wayne is survived by his wife Mary Beth; 5 children; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brother, JR; sister, Doris; and grandson, Max.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025 with a rosary service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Union Chapel Cemetery near St. Charles. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association Iowa Chapter and/or the Drake University School of Law.