Glenda Morrow

(From Barnes Family Funeral Home)

Mary Glenda Winkle – Morrow of Springfield, Missouri was called home by her Lord and Savior on March 11, 2024. She was born in Phenix, Missouri (near Ash Grove) on December 10, 1939 to Charles Robert and Mary Marguerite Winkle who nurtured her love of music beginning with piano studies at age 4.

Glenda graduated Valedictorian from Everton High School before studying music at Missouri State University where she was named Outstanding Senior Music Major and received the Diploma in Piano in 1961. She obtained a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Northwestern University in 1965 and continued post-graduate studies at multiple universities around the world. 

Music was Glenda’s great love. She was a performer, a composer and arranger, a lifelong learner, and most of all a teacher of music. She spent over 46 years in music education and is a Professor Emeritus of Music at Central Bible College (now Evangel University) where she taught for 43 years. 

Through her final days, she frequently related stories about her students and celebrated their accomplishments. At the time of her passing, she still held current certification as a Professional Teacher of Music in Piano from the Music Teachers National Association and was a member of several professional organizations. 

Performing on piano and organ brought tremendous joy to Glenda’s life. From her first role as a 7-year-old church pianist who couldn’t even reach the pedals, she never stopped sharing her gift. She has presented workshops and performed concerts throughout the United States and Canada. She served as pianist for the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Medical Center for Prisoners and she accompanied the ABC radio network’s Revivaltime Choir. She performed in her final concert on November 7, 2021 alongside former student and lifelong friend, Mark Thallander. 

Glenda consistently used her talent in music to bring glory to God. She loved to play hymns which she did for 70 years in church. Her amazing arrangements include well known favorites such as Jesus Loves Me and Amazing Grace. She also served as an Advisory Council member of The Mark Thallander Foundation which exists to enable individuals to experience growth in faith and community through the gift of music. Her life verse was Psalm 33:3. “Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.” (KJV)

Glenda was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Desiree Winkle.

Glenda is survived by brothers Charles Hershel Winkle of Amarillo, Texas and Albert Leroy Winkle and wife Twila of Sparta, Missouri; nieces Anica Addison and husband Aaron, Cassie Kendrick and husband Jim, and Emily Winkle; nephew Charles Winkle; great-nieces Amaryah Winkle, Aslee Addison, Anora Addison, Lillian Kendrick, and Alexandria Winkle; great-nephews Jabin Winkle, James Kendrick, and Zachary Winkle. She is also survived by numerous cousins Mike Keck, Sue Atterbury, Arlene Wells, Stephanie Keck, friends, former students and colleagues; her honorary family Mark, Margaret and Marilyn Glorfeld and special friends Mark Thallander and Dan Cunningham.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 15, 2024 in Barnes Family Funeral Home in Ozark, Missouri. Burial will follow in Liberty Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:30 P.M. until service time in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Mark Thallander Foundation. https://www.markthallanderfoundation.org.

Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.