Glenn B Newman Jr

Glenn Burton Newman Jr., aka Glenn B Newman III, aka Toronado Man, aka Glennie Pooh, aka 3G was born to Glenn “Doc” Newman and Florence Smith Newman on July 31,1943 in St. James, Missouri. He lived in the Kansas City area most of his life, with brief periods in the St. Louis, Missouri area and the Bay Area in California. He graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City and Southern Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Throughout the years, he worked at General Motors, McDonald Aircraft and Goodyear Tire and Rubber. He became the owner of Reavis Wheel Company in 1986 and retired in 2008. He liked to brag that Reavis Wheel and rental properties allowed him to make it for years without having a boss. Glenn was trained in biofeedback during its infancy, which helped him manage and finally overcome the migraines that plagued him. He also developed an interest in meditation and yoga. He eventually taught yoga and became an active member of the Kansas City yoga community. He was a self-proclaimed compulsive collector. His collections varied from Kirby vacuum cleaners to Toronado cars. At his peak, there were 22 cars in his fleet, mostly Toronados but also a few Eldorados, a Mazda and a Cadillac Allante. Old car clubs were a big part of his social life and he served as president of the Missouri Valley Vintage Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA) for several years. Glenn’s passion for all things wood, led to his extensive collection of wooden bowls, utensils, knickknacks and “critters”. He prowled estate sales, thrift stores and consignment shops for wooden specimens in need of love and rehab, which after restoration were gifted to friends. In 1977, Glenn met his partner of 49 years, Cris Siebenlist. He credited her for turning him on to reading which he passionately enjoyed. Glenn also spent hours finishing and improving their home and yard. Glenn discovered jogging when he was 34 and got Cris into it, too. They also took up bicycling and spent many happy hours biking with friends locally and on bike trips. Camping and hiking on their mining claims in Colorado was another passion. They often invited friends to join them. Watching the sunset between his feet, as seen from his hammock, was a highlight of his day. In his youth, Glenn was an avid traveler. He wandered through Europe on an Eurail Pass and explored Latin America with his younger brother John. He also got his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying with his father. He even owned his own plane with a business partner. By the time he met Cris, he had become more of a homebody. He had to be bribed with visits to car museums like Peterson’s in LA and The Mullin in Oxnard to get him on an airplane. Another role that Glenn cherished was being 3G, Great Grandpa Glenn. He was very proud of his family, son Chip and daughter Lori, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He also considered the beloved dogs and cats who found their way to Casa Newmanlist to be family. In addition, Glenn’s life was greatly enriched by his many friends whom he cherished, including several buddies he had known since birth. Glenn described himself as “square jawed, a man among men, statuesque, suave, humble and available for wild parties.” Glenn will be honored and remembered by family and close friends at a Celebration of Life on May 4.

Tributes

Glenn B Newman Jr

July 31, 1943 - February 20, 2026