Biography: Richard Theodore “Dick” Neikirk, 87, of Little Rock, AR died May 22, 2021.

Dick was born the third of four children to Theodore Boone Neikirk and Marie Wheeler Neikirk in Akron, OH, on August 19, 1933. He moved to Little Rock when he was beginning the seventh grade and later graduated from Little Rock Senior High School (now Central) in 1951.  He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.  His studies were interrupted by a stint in the United States Navy.  He returned to Fayetteville and earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1957. Upon completion of his degree, he began his sales career with 3M, first in Dallas, then later in Albuquerque, where he developed an interest in snow skiing.  In 1964, he took a trip with his ski club to watch the Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.  Later that same year he met his future wife, Joan, when he returned to his home In Little Rock.  They spent the first two years of their life together in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the next 18 in Baton Rouge, where he managed the office for the Curtis Stout Company.  During this time, he enjoyed spending time playing golf and sailing in the Gulf of Mexico. 

While in Baton Rouge, his daughter, Kelly, was born. As a first-time father at 41, he delighted in his new status.  He was known to carry Kelly in a backpack while practicing his putting or doing yard work.  He loved picking her up from school to take her to lunch.

The final years with the Curtis Stout Company were spent in Little Rock at the company headquarters.  Back in Little Rock for good, he was able to reconnect with old friends, especially those who had been PIE members during their high school years. He and Joan were able to travel both nationally and internationally after retiring.  While on a trip to Italy, Dick became enamored with the Vespa Italian scooters.  Upon his return home, he purchased a red scooter and could be seen driving all around Little Rock.
 
He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Boone Grizzell, and brothers, John Wheeler Neikirk and Robert Leslie Neikirk.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan Payne Neikirk. Dick also leaves his daughter, Kelly Neikirk Killian (Josh), grandchildren, Quinn Emily Killian and Georgia Kate Killian, and stepson, Jeffrey Scott Lewis (Tela).  The family would like to thank Baptist Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or Alzheimer’s Arkansas.