Doug Glynn

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

R. Douglas “Doug” Glynn, Jr. died the morning of Wednesday October 16th with the love his life for over 62 years, Liz by his side. He was age 83. Doug was born to R. Douglas Glynn, Sr. and Gladys Irene (Williams) Glynn in St. Louis on March 17, 1942.

In the fall of 1960, while a student at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, he dialed a wrong phone number, which turned out to be that of Elizabeth Marie Parent and her mother, Pearl. Later he would say, “I could tell the girl was about my age, and I knew what wrong number I had dialed, so I called back.” They were married on February 23, 1963, and each has been the other’s best friend ever since. Liz survives.

Also surviving are their sons and wives, USAF (Ret.) Maj. Matthew Douglas Glynn & daughter-in-law Julie, Anchorage, AK; and Tyler David Glynn & daughter-in-law Kim, of Kirkwood, Missouri; sister Susan Glazebrook, of St. Peters Missouri; sister Kathleen Ann Glynn-Buerk of Fairfax, Virginia; grandchildren Andrew Sean Glynn, Ethan Michael Glynn, Elizabeth Jewel Glynn, Cameron Douglas Glynn (Claire) and Carson James Glynn, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dick.

Doug’s career with the Social Security Administration took the family to various parts of the country. Starting as a claim authorizer in Kansas City, he worked as an employee development specialist at SSA headquarters in Baltimore. He served as assistant district manager in Salina, Kansas, a Medicare contract specialist and a management analyst in Kansas City, administrative assistant in Jefferson City, and assistant district manager in Joplin. He was promoted to Joplin district manager, the post from which he retired in 1992. He was a graduate of Western Illinois University.

In 1993, he chose to pursue work that would utilize his greatest gift, comforting those in time of need. He was on the staff of Thornhill – Dillon Mortuary for over 30 years and considered it the most rewarding thing he ever did. He also had sincere thanks for Dave Dillon and BJ Goodwin for the opportunity to make a true impact on others.

Doug was active in a number of organizations. He served as newsletter editor for several groups, and was on the board of directors of the old Optimist Club. A member of the Exchange Club of Joplin since 1981, he served a term as treasurer as well as several terms on the board of directors, and he edited the club’s Bull-O-Gram newsletter. He was the first person to serve as vice chairman of the Newton County Mental Health board, and he was a Cub Master for the St. Mary’s School Cub Scout pack. For 19 years he was secretary to the Joplin Senior Citizens Center policy council.

He had been treasurer of the Mid-America Press Club. For a year after retiring, he pursued his interest in classical music by serving as a volunteer announcer and board operator at KXMS-FM, the radio station of Missouri Southern State University. For some years he had sung lead with the local barbershop chorus. His hobbies included writing, cooking and painting. One of his paintings took a blue ribbon in a contest in Jefferson City, and another won a red ribbon at the Newton County Fair.

He was on the board of directors of the Independent Living Center, an organization that enables people with serious disabilities to remain in their own homes. In 2008, after his term had ended, he received the Center’s Lifetime Achievement Award for service to people with disabilities. In 2010 he returned to the board. In 2011 he became a member of the Joplin Public Library Board of Trustees. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and a third-degree Knight of Columbus.

While he will be most remembered for his kindness, gratitude and encouragement of others. His love of his family and many furry four-legged friends over the years. And most importantly, the lifetime of love and partnership with Liz.

Around five years ago they made the decision to transition to Wildwood Senior Living. Spending time on both the independent and assisted living areas. He was so appreciative of the love, companionship and care from both residents and every single person on the staff. In addition, he had to make a few visits to the Communities of Wildwood for skilled care and rehabilitation. And had deep thanks for the support he received there.

Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri with Father Joe Weidenbenner officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 4-7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Ethan Glynn, Cameron Glynn, Carson Glynn, David Drake, Ryan McCrary, Alex McCrary and John Olson. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Cemetery in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. Memorials are being directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church c/o the mortuary. Arrangements are under the care of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.