Noel Talbot Smith

Smith, Noel Talbot
96, passed away in Payson on November 12, 2014. He enjoyed a long life helping children, the community and serving his church. His mother was an early American female pilot and loved to fly. Noel was an aeronautical engineer and a "rocket scientist" for Garrett AiResearch. Noel was born Christmas Eve 1917 in Vancouver, BC, to Katherine Talbot and Wilfred E. Smith. Later in California he attended Herbert Hoover H.S., Glendale Community College and Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering. At GCC he found true love with Maxine Price, who became his wife of 66 years. In 1955 he transferred to Phoenix. Noel & Maxine bought their first home in North Phoenix, where they volunteered to serve Cross Roads Methodist Church with children and youth programs, as well as programs for incarcerated children at Adobe Mountain. They tragically lost their son, Scott, to brain cancer when he was 16. Noel retired in 1986 after 43 years with Garrett, moved to Payson, and helped establish Payson United Methodist Church. In all, Noel volunteered service to Methodist churches for more than 50 years, as a church incorporator, trustee, treasurer, youth counselor, audio equipment operator, proofreader, handyman and more. Noel was preceded in death by his loving wife, Maxine, and their son, Scott Talbot Smith. A memorial service will be held for Noel at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2014, at Payson United Methodist Church, 414 N. Easy St., Payson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Payson United Methodist Church would be appreciated.