Obituary of David John Noble

David "John" Noble, born on January 1, 1931, peacefully passed away on May 14, 2023, at the age of 92. He was the beloved son of Golden Noble and Sadie Noble (Sagle). John was preceded in death by his loving parents and his dear sisters and brother-in-law. He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Mary Lou, his caring brother-in-law and wife, as well as cherished nieces and nephews. John was born in Silver Water, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, where he spent his formative years on a farm with his parents and two sisters, Doreen and Leona, both of whom have sadly passed away. He attended school in Silver Water, a small town in the western part of the island, until the 10th grade. However, an accident during a tobogganing outing with friends in 1946 forced him to discontinue his education. Following his recovery, he dedicated his time to working with his father and others in the woods, cutting pulpwood for the paper mills. In the summer of 1953, John's life took a transformative turn when he met Professor Bob Flanders from Graceland College, who was honeymooning on Manitoulin Island. Encouraged by Bob, John decided to attend Graceland College that fall. Overcoming numerous challenges, he persevered and graduated with excellent grades from Graceland College two years later. During his time at Graceland, John's path crossed with that of Mary Lou Weaver through his sisters. They all attended a reunion camp for the church, which led to John and Mary Lou becoming pen pals. Mary Lou also attended Graceland College for a year while John was there. Their connection deepened, and they exchanged vows on August 26, 1955, returning to Silver Water, Manitoulin Island. John resumed his work in the woods, while Mary Lou dedicated herself to their home. Subsequently, they moved to Dearborn, Michigan, where John worked for Ace Hardware, selling paint, while simultaneously pursuing his bachelor's degree in history at Eastern Michigan University. John embarked on a career as a 5th-grade teacher, a role he wholeheartedly embraced until the spring of 1968. In the summer of 1968, John and Mary Lou relocated from Michigan to Climax Springs, MO, where John purchased a farm and started teaching at Climax Springs School alongside Mary Lou. John's dedication extended to serving as the principal of the Elementary and Secondary School, as well as taking on the roles of bus driver and drivers' education instructor. In the evenings, they commuted to Warrensburg, MO, attending university and both obtaining their master's degrees. They settled in Climax Springs until their retirement in 1997. Upon retirement, John and Mary Lou chose to make Branson West, MO, their new home. John embarked on a new adventure as a deckhand on the Branson Belle, an entertainment steamboat associated with Silver Dollar City. He found immense joy in his work and remained in that position for approximately five years. Following their retirement from the Branson Belle, John and Mary Lou spent their winters in Punta Gorda, FL. Eventually, they decided to make Punta Gorda their permanent residence in 2010. Throughout their lives, both John and Mary Lou faithfully served as Elders in the Community of Christ church for many decades. John, in particular, held pastoral positions at Taylor Congregation in Michigan and in Climax Springs. He was honored by the Community of Christ World Church for completing every temple school course ever created a testament to his passion for learning. For numerous years, John and Mary Lou were devoted members of the North Fort Meyers congregation. John's love for baking cookies for the congregation's social hour before church was well-known and appreciated. John was a deeply devout Christian, a dedicated servant of Christ, and a shining example of kindness and generosity in every community he resided. His unwavering love and commitment to God were evident throughout his entire life, and he never hesitated to share his personal testimony. He will be profoundly missed by his loving family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of faith, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire and impact the lives of those he touched. May he rest in eternal peace. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81587368329?pwd=YmhZQnUyWDZTOTBxalR5TFAxYzZzQT09 Meeting ID: 815 8736 8329 Passcode: 947638 One tap mobile +13052241968,,81587368329#,,,,*947638# US +13092053325,,81587368329#,,,,*947638# US Dial by your location +1 305 224 1968 US +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 564 217 2000 US +1 669 444 9171 US +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 689 278 1000 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 253 205 0468 US +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 360 209 5623 US +1 386 347 5053 US +1 507 473 4847 US Meeting ID: 815 8736 8329 Passcode: 947638 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keoXfuu3Ia