Eugene "Gene" Noble, age 96.99, former D-Day C-47 pilot, passed
away peacefully January 29th. He was a man larger than life from birth
(weighing 13 lbs.), through his military experience in WWII and onto his
long career as a civil engineer for Phillips Petroleum Company. All of his
endeavors had him traveling extensively around the world. He married his
wife of 42 years, Jane, in 1947 and they had four children, John (dec.), Jim
(Andrea) Frankfurt, Germany, Mary (Terry dec.) of Tulsa and Maggie (Paul)
of Albuquerque, NM. Throughout their marriage they moved over 30 times
following Gene's career. He retired in 1984 and began his new career of
many "home projects". He and Jane got to enjoy a few years of traveling
and visiting their children and grandchildren until her battle with heart
decease was lost. He remarried in 1990 to Marjorie Levy whom he met on
a winter excursion to Spain. They settled in Tulsa and traveled around the
world over their 25 years of marriage. They shared their time with all the
grandchildren and visiting her sons Phoenix, Michael and Jeffrey. They
kept their energy going full throttle by exercising at Saint Francis Health
Zone daily and meeting their dinner club on a regular basis. He was
contacted by the mayor of Merrville, France, in his late 80's, to assist in
refurbishing The Dakota C-47 plane he had flown in the war for their WWII
memorial Battery. This project energized him and he finally opened up
about his war experience. For the entire family, it showed a humility in him
that he never spoke of and never boasted about his experience. He was
honored at the Battery on three occasions with the last celebration
receiving the prestigious Legion of Honor award by the French
government. After his last trip to France at the age of 93, he moved into
Aberdeen Assisted Living where he entertained the residents and held
court on Wine Wednesday. He has been spoiled by their compassionate
staff and privately cared for by an amazing dream team of caregivers.
His dry quick wit, his gentlemanly grace and his deeds will forever be
held in our hearts. He has left images of a mature masculinity that the
world could use more of. His grandchildren Andy, Tom, Dave, Chris
(Janessa), Caroline (dec.), Carter (Victoria), Jack, Cameron and Abigail and
great grandchildren Kiera, Arthur and Stevie Caroline all have a legacy to
embrace and model to continue making this world a home of peace. A
mass of christian burial will take place on Tuesday, February 5, 1:00 pm at
the Church of Saint Mary, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Arrangements entrusted to
Fitzgerald Southwood.