G. Max Newkirk, 86, of Lafayette, passed away at 8:05 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at St. Elizabeth East Hospital. At the time of his death, Max heard the trumpets blowing, the angels singing, along with the bright lights of the freeway, illuminating the path to Heaven. Born April 26, 1927 in Linden, IN, he was the son of the late Frank and Helen (Stevenson) Newkirk. He was a graduate of Linden High School. He honorably served as a Seabee with the US Navy in the Pacific following WWII.
Max married Lillian L. Hewitt on September 22, 1950 in Oxford, IN. She preceded him in death on August 20, 1971. He married Norma (Thompson) Duncan on June 2, 1973 in Mellott, IN and she survives. Max was a conductor for CSX and Monon Railroads for 39 years, retiring in 1988. He had previously worked with the mail service for the railroad.
He was a member of the Community Reformed Church, Old Rails Club, Murat Shrine in Indianapolis, and a life member of the Lafayette Masonic Lodge #123 and American Legion Post #11. He enjoyed volunteering and visiting shut-ins and going to Cardiac Rehab.
Surviving with his wife are two sons, Ron M. Newkirk of Brookston and Philip L. Newkirk (wife, Debbie) of Ft. Myers, FL; a step-daughter, Pam Glascock of Hillsboro, two step-sons, William L. Duncan and Jeffery W. Duncan (wife, Denise) of Hillsboro; 10 grandchildren, Mandy, Matthew, Bradley, Kevin, Chad, Aaron, Jennifer, Neal, Jason, and Amber; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Louie, a sister, Virginia, and a nephew, Kenny.
Visitation from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Community Reformed Church, 2501 S. 18th St., Lafayette, IN 47909, with Old Rails service at 7:15 p.m. and Masonic Lodge service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service 10 a.m. Friday at the church with Pastor Chad Schuitema officiating. Burial, with military honors, to follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Community Reformed Church Youth Group. The Hippensteel Funeral Home is entrusted with the care.
