Photo courtesy of Adams & Swanson Funeral Home - North Platte
North Platte, Nebraska
Aug 7, 1932 – Sep 26, 2021 (Age 89)
Don Willis Noonan, age 89 of North Platte passed away Sunday, September 26th at Great Plains Medical Center.
Don was born in Greeley County, Nebraska to John Noonan and Mary Jessie (Phelan) Noonan. He attended elementary school in rural Greeley County and graduated from Wolbach High School. He was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany. Upon being honorably discharged, he returned to Greeley County farming until drought and grasshoppers lead him to the Nebraska State Patrol where he proudly served for 26 years. At retirement, he was honored as an Admiral of the State of Nebraska. The only two things he ever wanted to do was to be a cowboy or cop, and he was fortunate enough to be able to do both.
He was married to Judith Smith Blackmon on May 5th, 1978. Don was an avid horseman raising registered Quarter horses that he shared with 4H groups being honored as a Friend of 4H. Don and Judy loved to travel on the Harley having many great adventurous trips from Canada to Mexico.
Don was the 11th of 13 Noonan children. He is survived by his wife, Judy of 43 years; three daughters, Pamela, Norene and Camela; stepsons, Jeff and Kent Blackmon; 10 grandchildren; brother, Gerard of Denver; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska with Pastor Gary Smith officiating. Full Military Honors will be given. Book signing will be 9-5, Wednesday, September 29 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.
I think I recognize the name, Don Noonan. I think my Father, Clarence Ritz from St. Paul, NE served in the Army with Don in Germany. Neil Schonenberger also served in Germany. I will send Neil the obituary. I recall Don coming to St. Paul back in the late 60's or 70's to visit on his bike. I even got a ride.
Neil Ritz
October 10, 2021 | Norfolk, NE
i was sadden to hear of dons passing of don he was a great pearson and good freind he will surley be missed
LELAND STUDLEY
October 08, 2021
Judy, I´m so sorry to read about Don. I don´t check the paper everyday but I´m glad I opened it up today. I will never forget Don´s kindness and professionalism when I worked with him from the Sheriff´s Office. I knew he was one I could count on. I´m sure my dad was up there to welcome him in. Take care and know that our thoughts are with you. Hugs! Kim
Kim Adle
October 05, 2021 | Friend
Sorry for your loss. Miss taking to you in Wolbach. Prayers for you and your family.
Rodney Barr
October 01, 2021 | Friend
So sorry for your loss, may she rest in peace...R. I. P. ...
Mark & Sheryl Schaeffer
September 30, 2021 | North Platte, NE | Coworker
Our thoughts and prayers for you, Judy and your family. Don was a wonderful man. So enjoyed listening to him and Ron give each heck when they were together. I’m sure they are having a drink and giving each other heck now. So sorry for your loss.
Jan Gilliland
September 30, 2021 | St. Paul, NE | Friend
My heart goes out to you Judy and all the family. Don was such a special guy. A one of a kind real cowboy and a gentleman. Ron loved him so much and looked up to him in so many ways. We always enjoyed all our time with him. After a visit from you guys, Ron would say “ I needed that, I needed “Noonanized”.
May God bless you and comfort you during this time of grief and always.
Sandi Bryer
September 30, 2021 | St Paul, NE | Friend
Jude, so sorry to hear of Don's passing. The three amigos, Don, Don Schrader & my dad, oh the stories they could tell and together they spelled trouble! Such great memories of you both growing up. I'm fairly certain that he was met at the gate by my mom & dad & Nadeen. Thank you for being such great friends. Don and his smile & laugh will live on in those of us that loved him. Love, hugs and prayers. Love you, Karm & Lary
Karma & Lary BOMBERGER
September 29, 2021 | North Platte, NE | Friend
I remember Don as just a great guy to be around. He used to have coffee with my father and the group of men would tell stories that would make them laugh.
Grady Blas
September 29, 2021 | Lincoln, NE | Acquaintance
