Thomas "Tom" Newkirk

Thomas "Tom" Newkirk, 93, of Lehigh, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at his home in Lehigh, Iowa; six days before his 94th birthday.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Carson - Stapp Funeral Home in Dayton. Pastor Kay. Christie will officiate. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Lehigh. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 21, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Carson – Stapp Funeral Home in Dayton. For online obituaries and condolences visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

Thomas R. Newkirk was born on June 24, 1923, in Otho, Iowa, the son of Pearly and Caroline (Martin) Newkirk. Tom attended local schooling in Otho, Iowa until the death of his father when he left school to help care for his mother and siblings.

On October 2, 1950, Tom was united in marriage to Delores Joan Bacon at the Jackson County Courthouse in Jackson, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Deborah.

In earlier years, Tom worked for the Lehigh Sewer Pipe & Tile Company and later on as a foreman for W.S. Dickey Clay Manufacturing Company. After retirement, Tom continued work on his family farm, as well as the family-owned restaurant, and manager of the Thomas Management apartments within Lehigh and Burnside, Iowa until his death.

Thomas enjoyed country music, taking short trips with his wife and family, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, helping others, farming, and fishing. Thomas was a hardworking man who was devoted to and loved his family, friends and even the strangers he encountered. He will be missed dearly.

Survivors include, his wife of 66 years, Delores "Dee" Newkirk of Lehigh, Iowa; one daughter, Deb Jacobsen of Huntsville, Texas; two granddaughters, Jessica (Gregory) Boor of Ankeny, Iowa, and Katie Jo Jacobsen of Galveston, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Piper Boor and Ethan Jacobsen; two brothers, John (Ursula) Newkirk, and Benjamin (Judy) Newkirk; and one sister, Virginia (Victor) Carlson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Mervin Newkirk of Alta, Iowa, and Clarence Newkirk of Lehigh, Iowa; and one sister, Bertha (Donald) Grell of Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.