Robert Lionel Northup

Robert “Bob” Northup, a life-long resident of Columbia, MO passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the age of 83. Visitation will be Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10-11am at Memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West in Columbia, MO. The funeral service will begin at 11am, followed by the committal service in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bob was born in Columbia, MO on June 17, 1942, the third of four children to Lansford Lionel Northup and Elsie Rebecca (Eaton) Northup. He attended Columbia public schools and graduated from Hickman High School in 1960. As a young man he was a student at Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO, pursuing a degree in political science. Bob also traveled regionally playing saxophone with his father in the jazz band, The Rhythm Kings, before finding his calling to the Ministry. He served many years as pastor of Columbia Baptist Church. Bob used his gift of music to share the message of the gospel in church, at local hospitals and nursing homes. He was a seasoned musician able to play the saxophone, piano, guitar, and accordion.

Bob was a long-time business-owner. He opened The Optical Shop in downtown Columbia in the early 1970’s and kept it in operation through the early 1990’s. He later added hearing aids to his business. After a few transitions he owned and ran the Columbia Hearing Center which is still in business today run by his youngest son, Nathan.

Bob was a man of many talents ranging from creating small inventions, building all sorts of structures including his family home, doing art and illustrations in the form of political cartoons to singing and songwriting. He was heavily involved in politics, campaigning for the Republican Party and running two times for State Senate.

Bob is survived by his four children; Jon (Sherie) Northup of St. Charles, Elizabeth (Kurt) Kaiser of Severance, CO, Daniel (Carolyn) Spratley of Columbia, and Nathan (Jessica) Northup of Boonville as well as their mother Peggy Northup of Columbia. He leaves eight grandchildren; Brennan (Shauna) Northup, Joel Northup, Caleb Northup, Erik (Brigette) Kaiser, Jakob Kaiser, Kristof Kaiser, Eleanor Northup, and Gabriel Northup and two great-grandchildren; Trinity Northup and Evelyn Northup as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Bob was preceded in death by his three siblings; Bill Northup, Lanny Northup, and Diane Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church 7461 N Brown Station Rd, Columbia, MO 65202 or to the Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org, 1601 E Broadway #245, Columbia, MO 65201.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com