TULSA, Okla. — Robert William “Bob” Newkirk,

age 93, died on May 3, 2020 after a brief illness. He was born March 25, 1927, and was reared in Stuttgart, although he lived in Tulsa for years. A celebration of life is planned at Bixby First United Methodist Church, Okla. with interment at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, OK future date pending.

Bob was the second child of Vera Robnolt Newkirk and Arnold Leroy Newkirk. At age 18 he joined the Navy in 1945. He served in the Navy on the USS Delta at the end of World War II. He diagnosed with tuberculosis [later diagnosed as asbestosis] on active duty. As a result, he was a patient at the State Sanatorium Arkansas, Booneville Ark. four years. After this hospitalization, he attended the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1955, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was an avid supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and was a member of the UA Razorback Club. He married Marilyn Baird McCall of Little Rock, Ark. in 1989.

Bob was a Certified Public Accountant, with a long career in business financial management and auditing. He was a member of the Tulsa Sunrise Rotary Club, was named Rotarian of the Year 1995-96, as well as holding District Rotary positions.

Bob was a lifelong Methodist whose strong faith in God never wavered. Bob loved boating and fishing his entire life and was an avid bird hunter.

Bob is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Larry Trook of Bixby, Okla.; many beloved stepchildren, grandchildren; brother, James Newkirk, Oakland, Ore.; sister, Jackie Newkirk Clem, Grants Pass, Ore.; and first cousin, Dr James Robnolt, Sherwood, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father Homer H. Thumann; his sister Dorothy Elizabeth Jones, and his beloved wife Marilyn (2016).