NEWKIRK'S FUNERAL -

Staff

	Ray Newkirk original founder Ray was born July 29, 1892 in Sullivan Co., Indiana, to Cornelius Howard Newkirk and Catherine McCammon Newkirk. He married Hazel Easter Behem, and together they started the funeral business in Pleasantville, Indiana in 1916. They graduated from Askin Training school for Embalmers in 1917. Ray owned a furniture store in Pleasantville, and also ran an ambulance service. They bought the M.J.Aiken Funeral Home in Dugger, In., and later moved the furniture store to Dugger, also. Ray and Hazel had one daughter, Jessie Rae Newkirk Brust. Ray passed away September 27, 1967.
	Hazel Newkirk original founder Hazel Ester Behem Hazel was born April 5, 1896, in Sullivan Co., Indiana, to Jesse Behem and Ella Benefiel Behem. She married Ray Newkirk and together they started the Newkirk Funeral Home in Pleasantville, Indiana. They also had a furniture store, which continues to be open this day. Hazel and Ray had one daughter Jessie Newkirk Brust.
	Jessie Rae Newkirk Brust owner Jessie Rae, the daughter of Hazel Behem and Ray Newkirk, was born in Pleasantville, Indiana July 18, 1921. She graduated from Pleasantville School in 1939, attended Indiana State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music, Physical Ed., and English. She returned to Pleasantville School to teach for two years. She then decided to help her parents in the family business. At the time they owned a furniture store, ambulance service, and a funeral home. Jessie married Lowell Frederick Brust in 1941. They had one son Terry Ray Brust. To this day Jessie is continuing to run the family business with the help of her son Terry Brust, and wife Rebecca.
	Terry Ray Brust partner Terry was born December 20, 1950 in Sullivan, Indiana to Lowell Frederick Brust and Jessie Rae Newkirk Brust. Terry graduated from Union High School in 1969, went on to Indiana State University where he graduated with a Bachlor of Science in Physical Ed. He became a paramedic in Indianapolis, and later moved to California where he met his wife Rebecca Justis. They married in California in 1984. They returned to Indiana so Terry could continue his education at Vincennes University for Funeral Service. He graduated in 1986, and became a third generation funeral director. Terry now owns and operates Newkirk's Funeral Home in Dugger, Indiana. In 1995 Terry and his wife went into business with Jerry Banks. They established Banks and Brust Funeral Home in Sullivan, Indiana. Terry and Rebecca had one son Frederick Ray Brust.
	Rebecca Brust Hi, I'm Rebecca K. Justis Brust, aka Becky. I was born in Colorado Spgs., Colo. January 7. My mother and father were Earl Edward (Eddie)Justis and Blanche Winkler Justis. They both originated in Kansas somewhere. My mother passed away when I was a year old from Polio. I moved to California when I was 12 and lived near Los Angeles until I met Terry Brust. We married in California and returned to Indiana. I felt like the Wizard of OZ and ended up in Dugger, Indiana. Terry returned to Vincennes University for two years to complete his Funeral Directors education. I in turn learned the business hands on with a professional teacher, Jessie Newkirk Brust. My mother in-law, friend, boss, and grandma. I have now been with Newkirk's Funeral Home for 19 years. Oh, and not to mention Terry and I had one son after five years of marriage, Frederick Ray Brust. I'm the one who established this web site. I also have other responsibilities, I take care of all your Pre Need contracts made with Newkirk's Funeral Home, along with the flowers, and greeting you at the door. My title unknown.
	Frederick Brust Freddie, the son of Terry and Rebecca, was born in Sullivan, Indiana August 30, 1990. Hopefully he will be the fourth generation Funeral Director. He is a seventh grader at Dugger Elementary. He played short stop for the Dugger American Legion Baseball team. He also has played soccer for the Greene Co. Soccer Association. Newkirk's Funeral Home was the Sponsor, and they were the champions for three years in a row.
	Brenda Smith Organist Brenda Cox Smith, daughter of Archie and Vivian Cox was raised in Pleasantville and graduated from high school there. She graduated from ISU with a B.S. and M.S. degree in Music Education. She married Alan Smith and has three children; Lynn Guy, Ryan Smith, and Anjuli Smith. She is a private piano teacher, organist, pianist, and choir director for Pleasantville United Methodist Church and has played music for our funeral services for many years.
	Kallie Cox Student ( Funeral Services) Hi, I'm Kallie, the daughter of Rusty and Kathy Cox. I was born and raised here in Sullivan County. I graudated from Union High School in May of 2004 and am now attending Vincennes University majoring in Funeral Service. I have worked here at Newkirk's for two years and plan to also do my internship here. My jobs here include arranging flowers, door greeter, and whatever Becky, Terry or Jesse tells me to do! I enjoy my job because it is important to me to help people through one of the most horrible times in their life. I'm looking forward to graduating and getting my license so I can continue my work further and more in depth. My title, also unknown.