Larry E. "Larry" Noker

1924 - 2011

Lawrence E. Noker, 87

Lawrence E. "Larry" Noker, age 87, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2011, in Mountain Home.

Larry was born May 4, 1924, in DuBois, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Anna Bregenzer Noker. He was the second youngest of eleven children, nine of whom preceded him in death. Mr. Noker graduated from St. Catherine's High School in DuBois, Pennsylvania in 1942. In December 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy, and while completing basic training he attended the electrician school at Purdue University. Larry served during World War II in the South Pacific submarine fleet aboard the USS Pampanito from March, 1944 until his honorable discharge in May, 1945. Upon returning home from the war he met Ellen L. Montgomery, and they were married on September 4, 1947.

He began his career as an electrician with the B&O Railroad. In 1957, he changed careers when he joined Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. During his 22 years with Metropolitan, he received numerous sales, leadership and distinguished service awards until his retirement in 1978. Larry then moved to the Phoenix, Arizona area until 1987 when he and his wife relocated to Mountain Home, Arkansas after vacationing there. Larry was a lifelong volunteer for his church family and local community. He was a 50-year member of the Brighton Volunteer Fire Department of Tonawanda, New York; a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Adorer and usher, was president of the Holy Name Society, Grand Knight of the Fisherman Council Knights of Columbus and Faithful Navigator of the Reverend Henry Chinery Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans. Larry gave of his time and resources to help others in need, which gave him great joy.

He is survived by his devoted wife of over 64 years, Ellen L. Noker; a son: Michael E. (Sarah) Noker: Cameron, Texas; two daughters: Patricia Noker: Birmingham, Alabama, and Ellen (Perry) Eekhoff: Kanawha, Iowa; a sister: Pauline Thomas: Silver Spring, Maryland; four grandchildren and an extended family of numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers and four sisters.

Visitation will be from Noon-9:00 P.M. Thursday, October 27, 2011, at Roller Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6-8:00 P.M. A Vigil Service will be at 7:00 P.M. Thursday in the Roller Chapel with Deacon Robert Crawford officiating. The Funeral Mass will be 10:00 A.M. Friday at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church with Reverend Stan Swiderski as celebrant. Entombment will be in Baxter Memorial Gardens with Ozark V.F.W. #3246 and the U.S. Navy providing military honors.

Memorials may be made St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church Building Fund or Hospice of the Ozarks Hospice House.