Gary Michael Noel

Gary Michael Noel, age 72, of New London, MO passed away at 10:10 am Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Church. Full military honors provided by the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post 55 will be held at the church following the service.

A visitation celebrating Gary's life will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Grand View Funeral Home.

Gary was born on May 26, 1952, in Alexandria, VA the son of Frank and Gladys (Howell) Noel
Gary lived in a rural American paradise of natural beauty. He was earnest, reassuring, and sincere. He was an active, God-loving, Christian man, a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Hannibal, Missouri.

Gary served his country in the United States Air Force. After, Gary attended Southwest Missouri State University where he found friendships that lasted his lifetime and discovered a passion for the earth beneath his feet. He shared his love of nature with those who crossed his path. After college, Gary worked for 33 years for the Natural Resource Conservation Service as a Soil and Water Conservationist before retiring. Just this summer he attained the certification as a Master Naturalist.

He met the love of his life, Natalie, in college. They were married on November 27, 1982, in Martinsburg, MO, and have been married happily for 42 years. Their love is an ode to graciousness, adventure, and groundedness.

He and Natalie were blessed to have two daughters, Carrie and Amanda, who are the suns to his moon. In his daughters’ words, Gary was the most loving, kind, peaceful, generous father. He loved everyone and everyone who knew him loved him too. He would never hesitate to step into the father-figure role for those who needed him, and that did not take away his capacity to be the best dad to Carrie and Amanda, because of the abundance of love Gary had to give.

Gary was wise, thoughtful, down-to-earth, and humble. You could talk to him about anything and he would listen. He always made his daughters and friends feel heard, seen, and loved.
We remember Gary for his wide grin, love for music, especially John Denver, and passion for his daughters.

He didn’t know life without adventure. Growing up, he always shared in imaginative play with his daughters, telling them stories at night, taking them exploring in the woods, camping in Colorado, fishing, playing with the animals, swimming at the lake, burying ‘treasure’ in the yard, and joking and being goofy. Gary had a great sense of humor, and did not lack on the “dad jokes”. His daughters, like their dad, find peace, wonder, and solace in nature. It is there, where they will continue to have Gary’s heart.

Gary was active in the Episcopal church; giving sermons, reading scripture, and gathering others for bible study and prayer. He did more than just do these things, he lived and embodied his faith. He was non-judgemental, giving folks the benefit of the doubt. He was forgiving, never speaking badly about anyone (unless they truly deserved it). He made everyone feel loved, respected, and at home in his presence. He was quiet but in his quiet, we felt his adoration.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, his twin brother, David Noel, and brother, Bob Noel. Survivors include wife Natalie; daughters, Carrie Noel of Alameda, CA and Mandy Noel and husband Will Bolinger of Ashland, OR; brother, Jeff Noel and wife Mary of Webster Grove, MO, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and close friend David Cramer of Stockton, MO;. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first grandchild.

Gary will always be with his family and loved ones in their heart and soul. Until we meet again-in the forest, the ocean, the redwood tree, the mountains, the soaring eagle, the sunset, the full moon, in heaven as it is on Earth, and so it goes.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or M.U.E. Master Naturalist, in the care of the Grand View Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Gary's memorial page at www.grandviewfuneral.com