Gary Wayne Jones, 73, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday (July 10, 2013).

Gary was born March 22, 1940, the son of Kenneth L. and Alice P. (Truitt) Jones.

Gary was raised in Ringo Point, Missouri, attended Elm Grove and Ringo Point rural schools and was a graduate of Novinger High School with the Class of 1958.

Gary married his high school sweetheart Glenna Mae (Neely) Jones May 16, 1959 and to this union four children were born, Gregory A. Jones and friend Felicia, Garla Mills and husband Randy (Tack), Gina McKee and husband Jay, Gay Jones-Nichting and husband Doug.

Gary began his career in retail at Riley’s 7 to 9 and Westlake’s. He later opened Gibson’s which became Pamida. He managed Pamida for 27 years. Several of those years were spent as District Manager throughout Iowa and Missouri. Gary retired in 1991 for a short time then worked at Wal-Mart for 5 years as Assistant Manager. In 1999 he ran for Adair County Commissioner and served three terms as Presiding Commissioner. During that time and throughout his life he served and was active in many organizations. He served as a board member of the local Red Cross Chapter, the Extension Center, and other county related organizations. Gary also served on Adair Co R-I school board for three terms. In recent years he became the local egg man selling his farm fresh eggs to family and friends.

Gary was always a people person and enjoyed visiting with anyone wherever he went. His greatest joy was his family (especially his grandchildren) and his animals. He was known for having unusual and at times exotic animals over the years and loved when people would stop by to see them. He also cherished time spent with best friend Gayle Scott and grandson and farm partner Chad Miller.

Gary is survived by his wife Glenna of 54 years. His four children, eleven grandchildren, Elijah Mills, Cheyene Pinson (Mitch), Chad Miller (Afton), Tashina Batson (Chris), Jessica Jones, Alexandria (Alex) Nichting, Theadorah (Teddi) Nichting, Mackenzie (Macksi) Nichting, Gabriella (Gabi) Nichting, Josephina (JoJo) Nichting, and Garrett Nichting. Five great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Emberlyn, and Mariah Pinson, Kaydin Batson, and Neely Miller. Niece and Nephews, Tony (Barb) Jones, Tim Jones and Mitch Ferris, Kenny (Lynn) Jones, Kelly (Deitta) Jones, Kayla Jones Adninsky and husband John, and two sisters-in-law, Doris Johnson and Connie Jones, both of Kirksville, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Alice Jones; three brothers, Larry L. Jones, Hurley Jones and Keith Duane Jones in infancy; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alvin and Irene (Martin) Neely; two grandchildren, Gregory Alvin Jones, Jr. and Amber Lynn Miller; his brother-in-law, George Johnson, as well as his special neighbors and friends, Elaine and Rodney Scott.

Gary always spoke to everyone and informed them of how “perfect” he thought he was. Although, he had imperfections he was the perfect husband, dad, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday (July 13, 2013) in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday (July 14, 2013) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Darrell Crooks and Pastor Virgil Jones officiating. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, south of Novinger, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Tony Jones, Timmy Jones, Kelly Jones, Kenny Jones Chad Miller and Elijah Mills. Honorary bearers will be Garrett Nichting, Gunnar Pinson, Mitchell Farris and John Adninsky.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Gary Jones may be made to Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Ringo Point Cemetery or to the Novinger Baptist Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.