NEW PALESTINE
The Reverend Paul Newkirk, 82, went home to be with the Lord on January 13, 2024, at his home in New Palestine. He was born on September 1, 1941, in Taswell, Indiana, to Woodrow and Janie Newkirk. Paul graduated from both English Sterling High School and Linotype School in 1959. He married the love of his life, Joyce Lynam (née Harvey), on April 19, 1975, at Carrollton United Methodist Church in Finly. Paul and Joyce spent 48 wonderful years together until her death in September 2023.
Throughout his lifetime, Paul was the owner of several businesses, ranging from electrical to roofing to auto repair. He served his community as a reserve Hancock County Deputy Sheriff as well as a New Palestine Deputy Marshall and the Fire Chief of the Fountaintown Volunteer Fire Department. He built a four-decade career in the newspaper industry, ultimately retiring from the Indianapolis Star in 2001. After retirement, Paul and Joyce moved to Silver Springs, Florida, where Paul was ordained as a minister in the Baptist church. After twelve years in Florida, Paul and Joyce returned to their home state of Indiana to spend more time with their family.
Paul was a founding elder of Living Waters Baptist Church and a counselor at Living Hope Baptist Church, both in Ocala, Florida. He served as a Deacon and a board member at Buck Creek Baptist Church in Cumberland, the Chaplain of Springhurst Health Campus in Greenfield, and a frequent guest preacher at churches in Indiana and Florida. Paul enjoyed working with his hands, particularly with gardening, woodworking, and repairing cars. He was a lifelong fan of both the Indiana University Hoosiers and the Indiana Pacers. Paul was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a friend to many, and an upstanding man of God.
Paul is survived by his daughters, Patricia Diane Einloth of Wilkinson; Sharon Crump of New Palestine; Kelley (Todd) Werner of Carmel; and Paula Miller of Muncie; stepdaughters, Janis and Sharon Marie Lynam of Indianapolis; sisters, Martha King and Grace Newkirk; brothers, Ralph and Russell Newkirk; best friend, Perry Guthrie; family friend, Francis Carney; his West Highland terrier, Oliver; 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Paul is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles, Robert, David, and Woodrow F. Newkirk; sister Nancy May; beloved wife, Joyce; son, Paul Douglas Newkirk; stepson, Joseph Lynam; son-in-law, Larry Crump Jr.; and business partner, Nate Leek.
Graveside services will be held at McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson. Services date and time will be announced in the spring/summer. Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.
