Darrell Rex Newkirk, 78, of Humboldt, Kansas, died Friday, April 29, 2011, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center St. Francis Campus in Wichita, Kansas. Darrell was born February 3, 1933, in Hartford, Kansas, the son of Newell C. and Illas M. (Chrisman) Newkirk. He grew up in the Burlington area and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. On May 25, 1957, Darrell married Dixie F. Stanley at the Christian Church parsonage in Burlington. They made their home in Burlington where he worked construction with his father and brother and later had his own home construction company, Newkirk Construction. He also worked as a subcontractor for the Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant construction. In 1985, Darrell started work as the carpenter on the maintenance department for the Kansas State Hospital in Winfield, Kansas. He retired from that position in 2001 and the family moved from Arkansas City to LeRoy, Kansas. In 2006, they moved to Chanute. They have just recently moved to Humboldt. Darrell was a member of the First Christian Church of LeRoy, American Legion in Burlington where he had served as past commander, and the Fraternal Order of Odd Fellows in Burlington. He enjoyed woodworking projects, playing cards and having coffee with his friends. SURVIVORS: His wife of 53 years: Dixie Newkirk of the home 1 Son: Randall Newkirk & wife, Cathy of LeRoy, KS 1 Daughter: Darla Urton of Chanute, KS 1 Sister: Joyce Brownfield of LeRoy, KS 6 Grandchildren: Eric Newkirk, Samantha Burgett, Newell Newkirk, Veronica Newkirk, J.R. (Jamie) Urton Spencer and Jessica Urton 4 Great Grandchildren: Austyn, Laura, Layla & Dominik He was preceded in death by his sister Willa Grubbs and three brothers, Merle, Jack and Don Newkirk. Cremation has taken place. MEMORIAL SERIVCE: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the First Christian Church in LeRoy, Kansas MEMORIAL: First Christian Church of LeRoy, Kansas Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online concolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.