Charles "Don" D. Noble

Charles Donald “Don” Noble, age 91, went home to his Lord in Akron, Ohio on November 17, 2024.  Don was born on December 19, 1932 in Fort Gay, West Virginia to Beecher and Tennie (Holland) Noble.  He was preceded in death by both parents, brothers James (Jim) Noble, Clifford Noble and Clinton Noble, sister Dorothy Mae Hopton, brothers-in-law Denzel Hopton and Jack Williams, sisters-in law Elphra Noble, Barbara Noble, Dorothy Noble and Evelyn Noble and granddaughter Faith Noble.  Don’s surviving siblings Beecher Noble, Jr. and Ruth Ann Williams cherish lasting family memories.

The Nobles moved to Wayne County, Ohio when Don was a young boy and with the exception of a few years spent in Cape Coral, Florida, he resided in northeast Ohio for the remainder of his life.  Not long after graduating from Rittman High School in 1951, he enlisted and proudly served in the United States Navy, joining brothers Jim and Clinton in active service.  Upon completion of his training in San Diego, California, Don served his country as a Seaman aboard the USS Erben 631.  He was placed sixth on the gun tub, responsible for feeding ammunition to the Gunner.  The Navy took him to far-away places including Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.  Don was honorably discharged in 1956 and was awarded National Defense Service, China Service, Korean Service, United Nations Service and Good Conduct medals.  He received a 50th Anniversary Korean Medal as well.

Don resumed civilian life by returning to work at Rittman Dairy which had been purchased by Smith Dairy of Orrville, Ohio.  It was common for his neighbors to see a delivery truck plugged in at his home overnight so the milk was kept cold until he started his route the next morning.  Don wed Joan (Zuber) Pantalone in 1959.  The couple soon became proud parents to Linda (Keith) Badertscher and Rick (Amy) Noble.

Eventually Don pursued a career in life insurance sales and then became licensed as a real estate agent in Ohio and Florida.  He welcomed stepdaughter Kathleen (Gil) Barrigar as the result of his marriage to Patricia (Callahan) Noble in 1980.  Don enjoyed soaking up the sun while keeping his home, property and cars in pristine condition.  Ohio sports teams were another priority; in particular OSU football, the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians (not the Guardians in his opinion).  Don was more excited when family and friends watched games with him!  He was generous with his time, often working alongside Rick on many projects.  Don took advantage of fishing with Rick when he was able and was even schooled in ballroom dancing.  His activities obviously shifted as he aged—more recently he focused on keeping his plants and flowers watered and birds and squirrels well fed.

Don was a longtime active member of the Ellet Community Church of God and later attended Wintergreen Ledges Church of God, both in Akron.  He also belonged to the American Legion in both Florida and Ohio, currently Post 67 in Shreve, Ohio.  Don was humbled when Linda began volunteering her time and talents to the organization in support of her dad and other veterans.

His grandchildren Kimber (Will Campbell) Badertscher, Sarah Noble, Bethany (Jacob) Zook and Matthew (Natalie) Noble and great-grandchildren Xavier Campbell, Phoenix Campbell, Oliver Zook and Lydia Noble were the joys of his life.  Dozens of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends also filled his heart.  Don’s smiling face left no doubt that he was happiest when spending time with family, especially holding and talking to the babies.

Don will be laid to rest with military honors at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, OH at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024.  Family and friends are welcome to attend.  Please meet at the cemetery entrance. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to the American Legion Post 67, PO Box 613, Shreve, Ohio 44676.