Richard Churchill Novinger November 28, 1933 - May 24, 2020 Beloved husband of Elida Novinger (nee Silva); Devoted son of the late Glen and Dixie Novinger; Loving father of Richard S. Novinger and Mary Ellen (Cameron) Lusk; Cherished grandfather of Wade and Wesley Lusk; Dear brother William (Kay) Novinger, Glen (Elaine) Novinger, Jane (Richard) Valuck and the late Joanne Moritz; Our dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend to many; Richard was currently an active member of Fenton Baptist Church; A graduate of Kirksville High School, Richard went on to honorably serve in his country's armed forces. He attended Northeast Missouri Teachers College, now Truman State, on the GI Bill. There he earned a Bachelor's degree in Education. Later he would complete his Master of Teaching Arts from UM-Columbia. Richard moved to St. Louis and began his teaching career under the guidance and counsel of his aunt Mary Novinger, herself a lifelong educator. For twenty-three years Richard taught in the Parkway School system at Henry Elementary School. After the end of his career in education Richard worked until his retirement in the Department Of Veterans Affairs Records Division. As a lifelong Christian Richard was a devoted member of his church. First Baptist Church of Kirksville was the church of his youth. Richard later joined the Hanley Road Baptist congregation where he served the Spanish Mission as a treasurer and Sunday School teacher. In 1972 Richard married the love of his life Elida Novinger nee Silva. Together they built a family of four and enjoyed a union lasting almost 48 years. Richard enjoyed nature and is always remembered for taking out of town and in-town guests to visit such Missouri wonders as Elephant Rocks and Johnson Shut Ins. After his retirement Richard enjoyed many special times with family and especially his two grandchildren Wade and Wesley Lusk. He is remembered by many as a devoted Christian and kind-hearted man.