John Wesley Noel

JOHN WESLEY NOEL AUG 6, 1924 - JAN 5, 2011 John Wesley Noel passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, CA., with his daughters at his side. He was 86 years old. John was born August 6, 1924 in Clay County, Arkansas. He was the son of Daniel Solomon Noel and LouElla Cowell-Noel. The Noel family moved to California in 1933 and settled in the Dinuba-Kingsburg area. On April 4, 1942, he married Lucille Foshee and they were married for 68 years. Together they had 4 children, John Wesley Noel, Jr., Ronald Wayne Noel, Linda Beatrice Noel-Russell and Beverley Lanell Noel-Knox. John felt a great desire to serve his Country and on June 23, 1944 began his Basic Training at Camp Beale, CA. He was deployed on January 11, 1945 to the Pacific where he served in the Philippines at the Battle of Luzon. He earned the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star and American Campaign Medal. When asked about his service he would always reply, I joined so someone else could stay home.'' He was released Honorably from the service on January 14, 1946 because of Demobilization. John returned to his family in Dinuba where he was a lease farmer and worked for the West Coast Growers & Packers. In 1954, he moved his family to Modesto and went to work for Tillie Lewis Foods where he retired after 27 years. He was a member of the Cannery Workers Union #748. After his retirement, he worked for Parkview Christian Estates in maintenance. John loved being with his family. As they were growing up, he spent many weekends fishing and camping with them. He also had a great love for his neighbors, his yard and enjoyed meeting friends every morning for coffee at Monty's and later at McDonald's. John loved going to the flea market and to garage sales. He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Beatrice Noel-Russell of Modesto, Beverley Lanell Noel-Knox, one son-in-law, Wayne Leroy Knox, both of Visalia, 4 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. John was preceded in death by the love of his life, Lucille Foshee-Noel, and their two sons, John Wesley Noel, Jr., and Ronald Wayne Noel. His parents Daniel and LouElla Noel, his brothers, Elmer Noel of San Jose, Alvin Noel of Modesto, L.T. Noel of New London, Henry Noel of Modesto and his sister, Pauline Mize of Dinuba. A celebration of his life will be held as follows: Visitation on Friday, January 14, 2011 from 9:00 am-9:30 am, with a Chapel service to follow at 10:00 am at Lakewood Memorial Park & Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution in memory of John Wesley Noel to Alexander Cohen Hospice House c/o Community Hospice, 4368 Spryes Rd., Modesto, CA 95356. Guest book available at: www.modbee.com/obituaries www.lakewoodhughson.com