Glen Wesley Novinger

Glen Wesley “Dub” Novinger, Jr. passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on September 30, 2026, in Kirksville, the town where his life began on May 31, 1931. His was a long and meaningful life marked by faith, hard work, devotion to family, and a steady love for the simple gifts of everyday living. He had a tremendous positive attitude and love of life which was so often demonstrated by his interesting stories and his famous whistling.

Dub graduated from Kirksville High School, and after a wide variety of jobs as a salesman, he served as a sergeant in the Army as a cook, a role that reflected one of the many practical gifts he carried throughout his life. During his military service time, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Elaine Bragg Novinger on February 7, 1954. Oh, the stories he told about their meeting, getting married, serving in the Army and the Army Reserves, being a salesman, and so many more stories that he told in his 95 years! He had a story for every occasion!

After his stint in the Army, he graduated from Northeast Missouri Teaching College. He was working for the Kirksville Post Office while he went to college, and he was offered a permanent job which he decided to take as his first baby was on the way. Residents could always hear their cheerful mailman coming because he whistled throughout his entire route each day. Fun fact: His whistling was passed down to him from his dad, and he passed it on to both his kids and all of his grandkids! He worked as a mail carrier worker until his retirement and after retirement, Dub continued to share his energy and enthusiasm by working as a ski instructor at Kirksville’s own Rainbow Basin Ski Resort.

Dub bought a couple hundred acres from Elaine’s Aunt Marie Burt, and he built a log cabin, dug a pond, and enjoyed hunting with his family and friends. Everyone was a welcome guest at the cabin, which became a Century Farm this past May. He and his son Joe enjoyed many good times together out in the country. They both loved hunting and fishing together, embracing the rhythms of the land with the spirit of true outdoorsmen. He also farmed cattle along with his brother, Bill at Bill’s farm, with Joe eagerly tagging along and learning from these two remarkable men.

He was a man of many interests and talents. He could fix absolutely everything, he could grow almost anything, and he found joy in gardening flowers and produce. He loved to cook, and he especially loved to eat! He and his daughter, Linda were famous for planning

the day’s lunch and dinner meals during breakfast—Elaine thought this was strange! He always had a list of things for Linda and Joe to make or pick up for suppers and snacks during his years at the Pines, a true “foodie.”

Faith was at the center of Dub’s life. He always put God first. He was a deacon and a boys Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church where he was a member since 1938, and he was a friend and father figure to many. A devoted Christian, he lived out his beliefs in the way he cared for others, loved his family, and offered his presence, wisdom and help to friends and neighbors alike. Those who knew him remember an amazing man whose life was grounded in generosity, capability, and warmth.

Above all, Glen was fiercely devoted to his wife and deeply loved his family. He was married to his wife Elaine for 72 years (“Can you believe I’ve been with the same woman for 72 years?!!”) One of the most tender reflections of that enduring bond was that he loved holding hands and kissing her with her dedicated regularly, and he didn’t miss doing so during their lunchtime together on the day he passed. He loved his children and grandchildren very much and was, in every sense, a true family man. He also loved to write about his life experiences, leaving behind the reflections of a man who noticed, remembered, and valued the moments that made a life. He was a frequent contributor to The Adair County Historical Society quarterly magazine, where many of his stories have been published over the years. In fact, one of his stories will be in the next issue!

Glen is survived by his dearest wife, Elaine Bragg Novinger, son, Joseph and daughter-in-law, Sandra Novinger, his daughter Linda and son-in-law John Schrab. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Adam and Emma Schrab, Cassandra and Kellen Gillaspy, Natalie Novinger, and Annaliese Novinger. His family has continued to grow with the addition of his great-grandchildren, Maren and Lyle Gillaspy, who carry forward his family’s story. The love he gave to his family will remain a lasting gift in their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen Sr. and Dixie McReynolds; his sisters, JoAnne Moritz and Mary Jane Valuck; and his brothers, William R. Novinger and Richard C. Novinger, and an infant daughter.

Visitation will be held on October 10, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 207 E. Washington Street, Kirksville, Missouri. The funeral service, officiated by Jason Marlin, will follow at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Interment will take place at Maple Hills Cemetery, 24630 US-63, Kirksville, Missouri.

Glen Wesley Novinger, Jr. will always be remembered for the strength of his faith, the steadiness of his hands, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely. His life was full of purpose, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Kirksville, the Adair County Historical Society, Amigos for Christ or The United Way

Local arrangements are under the direction of Playle Rimer Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 2100 E Shepherd Avenue, Kirksville, MO 63501 (660)665-2233. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.playlerimermillard.com.