89R25451 HMR-D
By: Spiller H.R. No. 902
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of Chief Steven Bryce Newkirk of the
San Saba Police Department on April 11, 2025, at the age of 52; and
WHEREAS, The son of Dale and Gayle Newkirk, Steve Newkirk was
born in El Paso on July 9, 1972, and he grew up with the
companionship of a sister, Michelle; he attended Eastwood High
School, where he was a member of the rodeo club; and
WHEREAS, In 1990, Mr. Newkirk married Aundrea Rowe, and the
couple became the parents of three children, Megan, Tanner, and
Caitlyn; after that marriage ended, he wed the former Kristy Beth
Simmons in 2002, and they went on to share a fulfilling union that
spanned more than two decades; with the passing years, he had the
pleasure of seeing his family grow to include two more children,
Koren and Jayce, and five grandsons; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Newkirk began his career as a technician in
El Paso before relocating with his family to Huntsville to work for
the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a correctional officer
at the Texas State Penitentiary; in 1995, he followed in his
father's footsteps and embarked on a rewarding career with the
Lewisville Police Department, where he worked in the patrol,
motorcycle, and investigative units; he took great pride in serving
his community, and he concluded his tenure with the department in
2016; and
WHEREAS, Upon retirement, Mr. Newkirk moved with his family
to Lampasas, where he worked as a ranch foreman and fulfilled his
lifelong dream of owning land and raising livestock; in 2021, he
returned to law enforcement as an investigator for the San Saba
Police Department, and he was named its chief of police three years
later; in his leisure hours, he enjoyed playing the guitar and
sharing his passion for music with others, and he was also a skilled
metal worker; and
WHEREAS, Steve Newkirk treasured the time he spent in the
company of his family and friends, and those he leaves behind will
in turn cherish their memories of this kind and caring man; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Chief Steven Bryce
Newkirk and extend sincere condolences to the members of his
family: to his wife, Kristy Newkirk; to his children, Megan Shea
Warne and her husband, Stephen, Tanner Clay Newkirk and his wife,
Caitlin, Caitlyn Elizabeth Davis and her husband, Aidan, Koren
Adelle Newkirk, and Jayce Steven Newkirk; to his grandsons, Bowen,
Brooks, Baines, and Benny Warne and Wells Davis; to his parents,
Dale and Gayle Newkirk; to his sister, Michelle Newkirk and her
husband, Lex; and to his other relatives, his many friends, and his
brothers and sisters in blue; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Steve
Newkirk.