Theodore Ted Nash Noel

Every day good people pass from this life. On February 8, 2015 a truly great person entered eternal rest.Theodore (Ted) Nash Noel was born on August 21, 1922 in Dolgeville, NY to Arthur Noel and Anna (Nash) Noel. He was the 2^nd of 5 children. Ted graduated from Poland High School in Poland, NY and went on to the University of Michigan in the fall of 1941.On December 7, 1941 an event changed the world and Ted returned home to work at the Remington Arms plant until he was accepted into the army. Following basic training Ted entered Officers Candidate School and was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant and assigned to the 110^th AAA (Anti-Aircraft Artillery). In 1943 his unit was sent to England to prepare for the Normandy invasion.Ted’s unit went ashore on Omaha beach with the 2^nd wave of the invasion and was credited with the first German aircraft shot down in France. They were involved in the liberation of Paris and the infamous German offensive in the winter of 1944 the “Battle of the Bulge”. Ted was wounded while fighting in the Ardennes near Liege and Spa Belgium. His unit was then assigned to support troops protecting the last intact bridge across the river Rhine at Remagen Germany. They stayed with the occupation army in Germany until January of 1946.Following a 3 month stay in Rhoads Army hospital upon his return from Europe, Ted was honorably discharged in May of 1946 and finally re-united with his family.In the fall of 1946 Ted re-entered the University of Michigan and earned a degree in Geology in 1950. While in school Ted met his future wife and the love of his life Joan Maria Marshall. They were married on February 3, 1951 in Ontonagon Michigan.Ted was employed by Ray Geophysical as a Geophysicist for 30 years. He spent the first 10 years  following the “doodlebug” (seismic) crews from the Gulf of Mexico to Southern Canada, spending time in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota and Saskatchewan Canada. He and Joan moved over 25 times in 10 years having 5 children along the way before finally settling in Midland Texas in 1961 and having 3 more children. Ted continued with Petty-Ray Geophysical until retirement in 1980, he then worked as a consultant for several more years.Ted was an avid outdoorsman and athlete. He played several sports through his school years and was a master fly fisherman, hiker and adventurer. He loved golf and was very proud of having attended every Permian Basin Geophysical Society “Doodlebug” golf tournament from its inception in 1962.Ted was a kind, caring and compassionate man, a true gentleman. He was generous with both his own good fortune and his time, he would help anyone in need. He volunteered with charities and was active in the community. He was president of the Northern Little League for 15 years, a set builder at the Midland Community Theater, chairman of the St. Ann’s Family Fair and worked with Christmas in July. Ted was a lifetime supporter of the Midland High School sports programs following both the boys and girls teams.Two years of warfare may have set his course as he was unshakeable throughout the rest of his life. He truly was a member of the greatest generation.Ted was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Anna, his brothers John and Bernard, his sister Virginia and his grandson Benjamin Christopher Noel son of Greg Noel and wife Barbara.He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Joan, his son Jeff Noel and wife Kathy, his daughter Leslie Lawson, his son Greg Noel and wife Barbara, his son Steve Noel and wife Peggy, his son Doug Noel and wife Susan, his son Alan Noel and wife Charolette, his daughter Andrea Morren and husband David, and his son Richard Noel. Ted is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and a great grand bun in the oven.He was a longtime member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.A wake will be held at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 12, 2015 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.Honorary pall bearers are Jeremy Noel, John Noel, Alex Noel, Trey Lawson, Aaron Christianson, Jordan Noel, Benjamin Noel and Andrew Noel.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,