Donald Glen Newkirk

Funeral services for Donald G. Newkirk, 88, Branson will be Friday, May 4 at 2PM in the Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson. Pastor Larry Herndon will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.  Mr. Newkirk passed away Monday, April 30 in Branson.

Donald Glen Newkirk was born Aug. 20, 1929 in Bedford, Iowa.  He was the son of Garrett Roy and Flossie Mae (Thompson) Newkirk.  He served his country in the National Guard during the 1950’s. Don was a classic entrepreneur. While he lived in Bedford as a young man Don farmed, grew crops, raised cattle, had a hatchery, owned a feed store and drove a truck.  He moved to the Branson area in the early 1960’s and built two miles west of old town Branson, Dairy Land (now known as Billy Bob Dairyland). Don also started Newkirk Realty, Gift Gallery and The Gingham Goose just to name a few.  Don had also worked at Lowe’s in Hollister.

He married Deloris Waggoner on July 31, 1999 in Harrison, Ark.  They had celebrated eighteen years together this past summer.  Don attended the Protem Pentecostal Church in Protem, Mo.  He enjoyed playing tennis, working in his yard, growing flowers, woodworking, was a craftsman, traveling, farming, and people.  He loved his family and liked having his grandchildren around as much as possible.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Howard and Dwight and one great grandson Bradley Herndon.

Don is survived by his loving wife Deloris “Dee” of the home and his children Dennis Newkirk (Suzanne) of Branson; Diane Luebke of Hollister; Debi Herndon (Larry) of Aurora; Travis Huffman (Dana) of Kansas City, Mo.; Tera Jennings (Kevin) of Hollister; eight grandchildren Madison Newkirk (Candace); Mallory Lale (Jonathan); Bryan Herndon (Jennie); Heath Jennings; Sadies Green (Daniel); Randi Huffman; Harley Huffman and five great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday from 12:30 until service time at 2PM in the Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.

In Don’s memory, donations may be made to Taneyhills Community Library, 200 S. 4th St., Branson, MO  65616.

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