Bob Noel

Robert Earl Noel, Lamar Missouri, passed peacefully to our Father’s arms on July 16, 2016 after a short illness.      Born April 23, 1931, in Bryan, TX, Bob spent his formative years in West Fork, Arkansas.  He graduated from West Fork High School and shortly thereafter he took a number of jobs including working the wheat harvest through the Plains states and a position with an electric power company.      In 1951, with the Korean War in progress, Bob joined the Army and served in the Army Security Agency in Hokkaido Japan.  After the war, Bob returned to Northwest Arkansas where he earned an electrical engineering degree from the University of Arkansas.  It was during this time that he met Anita and they married in 1955.      Bob spent a large part of his professional career at Finley Engineering in Lamar as the head of the power department.  He retired from Finley in 1996 and opened his own practice, working of a variety of projects in Missouri, other adjoining states, and as far away as the state of Nevada.  He continued to take on engineering work up until months before he passed because he loved his craft.      He joined Lamar United Methodist Church in 1969 and was active in church leadership, Sunday school, and various other ministries.      His life was defined by his deep faith, his devotion to his family, a strong desire to help those less fortunate, his drive to stay fit, and an intense interest in political and social issues that affect us all.  He was also a devoted fan of Arkansas Razorback football, missing only three home games in the last 47 years.      Bob is survived by his wife, Anita; his daughter, Allyson Noel, Rio Rancho NM; his daughter, Melissa Branson (Rick), Overland Park KS; his son, Matt Noel (Joyce), Orange CA; and five grandchildren, Adam Noel, Phoenix AS; Derek Noel, Orange CA; Rachel Branson, Eugene OR; Faith Branson, Overland Park KS; and Bethanie Burandt, Raymore, MO.      He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Maude Noel; his brother, Benjamin Noel Jr.; and his sister, Clara Jean Rosebeary.      The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 pm Wednesday at Lamar United Methodist Church followed by a memorial service beginning at 2:00 pm.  A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 21, 2016, at 2:00 pm at West Fork Cemetery near Fayetteville, AR.      The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to either About Our Kids Youth Development Services, or Lamar United Methodist Church.  Contributions may be sent to Daniel Funeral Home, 1201 Broadway, Lamar, MO  64759.