of Little Rock, AR
January 25, 1930 - September 2, 2015
F. Ward Newkirk, 85, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, September 2, 2015. The son of the late Eula Alice and Alvin Forest Newkirk, he was a long-time resident of Little Rock. He was a long-time executive with Olin Matheson Chemical Company. He was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he served in various capacities. Because of his attention to detail, he was the committee chair of the moving of the church contents when Immanuel relocated to its present location.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Juanita, his five brothers and one sister as well as his son Greg Ward Newkirk, and his granddaughter Brooke Newkirk Partney. He is survived by a grandson, Grant Newkirk of Jonesboro, a great grandson, Collin Partney of Conway and numerous nieces and nephews.
For several years, he was the primary caregiver for his wife. However, in recent years, he has needed the helpful care of others, particularly Janie Long and a niece, Jana McKnight.
A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 4, 2015, at the Immanuel Baptist Church Chapel with Dr. David Moore & Rev. Rick Jaggars officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 A.M. in the chapel foyer before the service. Burial will be at Crestview Cemetery at 2:00 P.M. in Hot Springs.
Memorials may be made to the Building Fund at Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford, Little Rock, AR 72211. Arrangements are being handled by Roller Chenal Funeral Home.
Ward was such a strong Christian man. His testimony and example was a great encouragement to me. My father had many health problems and was hospitalized numerous times. Ward was so faithful to visit my dad and would always drop by the waiting room to sit with my mother and my siblings and I just to help us get our minds off of dad's circumstances. Ward is in paradise and is reunited with his wonderful wife and many, many relatives that have gone before him.
God bless your family , knowing Ward is with his Heavenly Father - I felt I knew him thru Jana McKnight - we love you and are praying for you Jana & family
Uncle Hog was one-of-a kind, from his unequalled talent to slice a pie into the thinnest of slices so everyone would get a sliver (I do believe that in his previous life, he was assisting Jesus in that fish and bread lunch!) to being the first to yell "Sooooooieee" as the last word of the National Anthem was just ending. That has become the normal ending for me at any sport, whether the Razorbacks are involved or not. He always made us laugh. He will be missed!
Many great memories of my Uncle, my dad and the whole Newkirk family. Great food, great fun and oh yes - those Razorback games!!!! To me Uncle Ward was Uncle Hog
Going to the games with Uncle Hog and the rest of the family are so special.
What a great man and great uncle
Love you
Al
thanks for all the pleasant memories
Loved Uncle Ward! Had a lot of fun times with him and he always made people laugh and smile. Glad to know he is finally in heaven with his family
I loved my Uncle Hog. So many great memories. I think of him when I think of the Razorbacks. I think of him when I think of pies. I think of him when I think of family and food and holidays and so many great times of laughter. So many memories. I loved my Uncle Hog.