Derrick Mitchell Newkirk

Derrick Mitchell Newkirk, 43, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away suddenly on May 25th, 2021. Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Brooks Chapel, 1702 5th Ave, Canyon, Texas. Prior to the service, the family will be available at the chapel to welcome friends and relatives.

Derrick was born in Amarillo on December 9, 1977 to father, Mitch Newkirk and mother, Debbie Cleveland. He passed away surrounded by family at BSA hospital.

Derrick loved knowledge and loved reading about different subjects. He had multiple hobbies and knew about a wide range of topics from computer programming to carpentry. Derrick fought authority and he paved his own way. If you said he couldn't do it, he would make sure he could.

Derrick started work each day with an intelligent smile, love for the spoken word, an irreverent sense of humor, and stunning blue eyes that could make anyone love him. He worked at Tyson Foods for 12 years.

If you asked Derrick, his greatest accomplishment wasn't his work legacy or his hobbies; it was being a father. He became a father in October 2000 to Peyton Murff, 20.

Derrick will be remembered by his mother, Debbie Cleveland and husband, Gene and his father, Mitch Newkirk and wife, Kat; his beloved daughter, Peyton Murff; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.



People wishing to honor Derrick's lifelong commitment to family and pets can make donations to the ASPCA, 11901 S. Coulter St., Amarillo, TX 79119.

The family would also like to thank the Baptist Saint Anthony's ER staff who took great care of Derrick and his family.