John Thomas Brownell, 79, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Wednesday (February 8, 2012) at his home.

The son of Marion William and Ruth Elaine (Ashbey) Brownell, he was born October 20, 1932 in Queen City, Missouri. On July 2, 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona, John was united in marriage to Oletha Irene Gates.

John is survived by his wife Irene of fifty-eight years; two sons and daughters-in-law, John Edward and Lola Brownell of Queen City, MO and James Marion Sr. and Rita Brownell of Milan, MO; one daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Jim Barnes of Novinger, MO; nine grandchildren, Tricia Burton, Amanda Toleando, James Brownell, Andrea Brownell, Michael Brownell, Matthew Brownell, Marcus Brownell, Brandon Broadwell and Bradley Broadwell; as well as sixteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Sally Embry and two brothers, Gary and William Brownell.

John graduated from high school in the State of Montana. He served in the United States Navy and after being honorably discharged later moved to the Novinger area in 1956. John was a self employed electrician and enjoyed raising his cattle. He also enjoyed fishing, the great outdoors, camping, collecting knifes and spending time with his dogs. John also spent many hours with his friends having coffee at the Firehouse Coffee Shop and attending auctions at the firehouse.

He was a member of the Novinger Lions Club and Fire Department, NRA, V.F.W. Post 2508 of Kirksville and served as Alderman of Novinger.

Public visitation will be held Saturday (February 11, 2012) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday (February 12, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Reverend Alan Coonfield presiding. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Novinger Cemetery in Novinger.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Broadwell, Brad Broadwell, Mike Broadwell, James Brownell Jr., Matt Brownell and Mark Brownell. Honorary bearers will be Mathew Burton, Trae Brownell, Jace Brownell, Xander Broadwell, Xavien Broadwell, G.J. Sizemore, Dennis Wilson, Gage Brownell and Harvey Stewart.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of John Brownell may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.