In memory of Chief Steven Bryce Newkirk of the San Saba Police Department.

89(R) HR 902 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

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.

Spiller

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 902 was unanimously adopted by a

rising vote of the House on May 23, 2025.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House