Bob Novak

(From Parker Mortuary)

Robert “Bob” Glen Novak, age 77, Joplin, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 1:40pm at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa.

He was born July 20, 1945 in Hastings, Nebraska, son of the late Henry Novak but was raised by his father Clifford W. Sill and mother, Lillian M. (Tappan-Reiss) Sill. He lived in Joplin most of his life. 

He graduated from Carl Junction High School before joining the United States Marine Corp in 1962 where he served in Vietnam earning the rank of Sergeant E-5 until he was honorably discharged in July, 1968. 

While he was there, he was a machine gun team leader in the 1st BN 7 Marines and earned several medals, such as the Medal of Good Conduct, Viet Nam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Citation Medal and a Purple Heart for a gunshot wound to the calf of his left leg. 

Before leaving for Vietnam he married Sharon Dearinger, and had three children. A son, Robert Glen Novak and two daughters, Kimmie Dawn Novak and Crystal Lynn Novak. 

In 1972, he married Marla May Hulette and they had a daughter, Jennifer Michelle Novak. 

In his teen and early adulthood he enjoyed playing guitar in bands and was known for his good singing voice. He was of the Methodist faith and attended the Chitwood Methodist Church. His loved cars and engines. He worked for over 30 years as an auto mechanic. 

His early jobs included employment at Sears Auto, Cole Lincoln Mercury and Deep Rock Filling Station, as well as Bill Houpt Service Center. Later in life he worked at Midway Auto Salvage and Moore’s Manufacturing. 

He loved hot rods and building engines. He spent years building a 1951 Chevy and his latest project was a 1929 Model A. He loved country music, his favorites included Merle Haggard and Vern Gosdin. He was a Republican who loved his country and was an avid Trump supporter. If he didn’t have a Marine Corp/VFW hat on, it would be a MAGA/Trump hat. He was deeply loved and will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

Survivors include his daughters, Jennifer Scott of Tulsa, OK, and her husband Doug, Crystal Novak, Neosho, MO, and son Robert G. Novak of Neosho, MO; brothers, Dan Sill of Joplin, MO, David Sill of Joplin, sister, Virginia Vangel of Joplin, Margie Chaddock of Florida, Mary Green of Joplin, along with his grandchildren, Adam (Kennedy) Scott, Sawyer Scott, Kyle Reid, Calvin Reid, Nichole Williams, Melissa Jo Clingerman, Brandon Novak, Brittany Greve and Chase Novak, along with several nieces, and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his companion, Carol Tate, his father, Clifford W. Sill, his Mother, Lillian Ginn, his daughter, Kimberly Dawn Clingerman and grand-daughter, Macy Ashton Scott.

Funeral service will be Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Parker Mortuary with burial to follow with full military honors at Fairview Cemetery, Joplin. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Parker Mortuary on Thursday, August 18th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.