Archie Glenn Newnum Jr.

Archie Glenn Newnum, Jr., age 68, passed away Monday, May 4, 2026, in Singer, Louisiana. He was born Thursday, February 13, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to Archie G. Newnum Sr. and Georgia Mae (Jones) Newnum. In a large family with six siblings, he was next to the youngest. The house was busy, noisy, and full of love.

Glenn’s career in gospel music began when he was 13 years old when his family formed a group called The New Dawn Singers and traveled around singing in numerous states. When the family group dissolved, he went on to sing bass with several quartets until he retired due to health issues. Glenn loved the Lord and loved singing about Heaven. He had a deep, smooth bass voice that blessed many people over the years.

Glenn worked at International Paper Company in Bastrop, Louisiana for eleven years. He went on to become an electrician, working for various electrical contractors, with the last one being in Sarasota, Florida. In 2007, he decided to go back to school and earn his degree in mortuary science. It was here that he met his classmate and future wife, Linda Dukes. They married in 2008 but divorced in 2010. They re-married in 2013, settling in Middletown, Indiana and attended church at Valley Grove Free Will Baptist Church. Glenn thrived and enjoyed singing and playing his bass guitar for the congregation. He loved his church family.

In his spare time, Glenn enjoyed gardening in the community garden at church, repairing broken things, fixing vehicles, lawn mowing, and listening to gospel music on YouTube. He was an avid Coke drinker and was always seen with one in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He is deeply missed.

Left behind to cherish his memory are: his wife, Linda; his daughter, Amanda (BJ) Lewis; step-children, Danny (Rachel) Freeman, Kayla Espinoza, Brian Dukes (S.O. Nikki), and Jonathan Dukes; brothers, Raymond (Judy) Newnum, Gary (Teresa) Newnum; sisters, Sharon MacCormack, Elizabeth (Danny) Hulsey, Leanne (Darrell) Singley; brother-in-law, Dean Dunning; grandchildren, Katelynn Lewis and Garrett Lewis; step-grandchildren, Jazzmine Dukes, Gabrielle Freeman, Laura Espinoza, Adriana Espinoza, and Emely Espinoza; and step-great granddaughter, Jai’lynn Dukes; and gobs and oodles of nieces and nephews.

Glenn was preceded in death by: his parents, Archie and Georgia; his sister, Glenna Dunning; brother-in-law, Jim MacCormack; niece, Nikki Gaugh; and paternal and maternal grandparents, aunts and uncles.

The Celebration of Life will be Friday, June 19, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 W. Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304. The service will begin at 5:00 pm.

Interment took place at Oretta Cemetery in Singer, Louisiana in May.

Elm Ridge Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries?locationcode=8367