Chris Noble

1953 - 2016

Chris Noble

Clinton

Chris Noble, 62, of Clinton died last Thursday, March 10th on Seven Falls Trail in Coronado National Forest near Tucson, Arizona. His death came as a result of an undiagnosed heart condition culminating in a heart attack. Chris's daughter, Laurie Bullman, her husband, Cody, and Chris's sister-in-law, Nancy Roth, were with him during his passing on a beautiful afternoon in majestic Sabino Canyon.

Chris was born in St. Joseph, MO on June 28, 1953 to parents, Billy Monroe, Sr. and Peggy Beaupeurt Noble. Chris's passion for the outdoors began with joining his older brother, Bill, in boy scouts. He graduated with degree in Wildlife Management concentrating in soils from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) in Springfield, MO in 1975. That same year he met Ellen Ann Erickson, of Chandler, AZ, who he would later marry September 2, 1979.

Chris's career researching and conserving wetlands started in Washington, MO working for the Missouri State Conservation Service in 1978 and concluded at the U.S. Army Corps. Environmental Research and Development Center in Vicksburg in 2015, six years after completing his Master of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. His 37-year career took him across the country studying wetlands, from above the Arctic Circle in Alaska to the Florida Keys and Puerto Rico. Chris was a leading expert in his field and was happiest working on-site in the outdoors, gladly turning down multiple promotions offering him desk jobs. He truly saw beauty in the swamps, marshes, and riparian areas that are commonly overlooked by most. He loved wetlands because he knew how vital these places were for creating and supporting life and he devoted his life to trying to save them.

He was passionate about gardening, fishing, traveling, grilling, bird watching, and spending time with family and friends, and he often indulged in his favorite pastime, napping. Chris's kind and gentle nature inspired the love of everyone he came in contact with. The joy in his sense of humor and his infectious laughter could only be rivaled by the impact of his sage-like wisdom and his unwavering patience.

Chris leaves behind his wife, Ellen; his children, Leslie and husband, RJ Hargrove, Laurie and husband, Cody Bullman, Erick and wife, Amber; grandchildren, Austin & Taylor Hargrove; and brother, Bill Noble. He will also bless the lives of many, in accordance with his wishes for organ donation. He was greatly loved by all and will be sorely missed.

The memorial service will be held on April 9, 2016 at 11 am, at the Episcopal Church of the Creator located at 1445 Clinton-Raymond Road in Clinton, MS. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to support The Nature Conservancy or the National Audubon Society and help Chris continue to save the outdoor places that he loved so much.