Richard L. Noblit

Richard L. Noblit, 87, of Bucyrus died early Monday morning, April 4, 2011 at Bucyrus Community Hospital following a brief, unexpected illness.

He was born September 26, 1923 in Crawford County to the late Elmer R. and Myrtle (Green) Noblit and lived his entire life near Bucyrus. Richard graduated from Mt. Zion High School in 1943 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. On October 14, 1945 he married Marjorie Zucker in Nazareth Lutheran Church near Chatfield.

Richard began his career driving a route truck for New Washington Egg Auction. He went on to drive a school bus for Mt. Zion, Holmes-Liberty, Bucyrus and Wynford while he was farming. He drove a concrete mixer for Wilson Sand Co., worked at The Timken Co. for 17 years, drove a delivery van for Herald Printing Co. for seven years and finished his working days as a courier for United Bank.

Richard was an active volunteer in the Bucyrus community serving 18 years on the Red Cross board, including chairman the last year. He transported blood and blood samples to Columbus and other locations for many years and donated over 39 gallons of blood in his lifetime. He also served on the Salvation Army board as a member and chairman for many years and was member emeritus. He was in the Bucyrus Kiwanis Club, serving on the board and as president in 2001-2002 and Habitat for Humanity, serving as chairman for two years. Richard was a longtime member of Good Hope Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday school and catechism for many years, served on church council, as treasurer on Brotherhood and held other church offices.

Richard was bestowed a number of honors for his community service including 1998 Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, 2000 American Red Cross Volunteer of the Year, 2002 Bucyrus Area Jaycees Dorothy Krantz Memorial Award, and 2004 Bucyrus Area YMCA Franklin Skinny Myers Spirit Award.

Richard had a deep faith in Jesus Christ. He wrote a book titled, "18 Weeks of 6th Grade Catechism and 7th Grade Sunday School," then wrote and published a book of Questions and Answers on the Bible, never charging any money for them. He also took many pictures of people at church and schools.

Richard is survived by his wife of over 65 years; their sons, Gary Noblit of Bucyrus and Jerry (Judy) Noblit of Bloomville; four grandchildren, Pastor Rodney (Erin) Noblit of Crestline, Rhonda (Scott) McLaughlin of Tampa, Fla., Ryan (Rebecca) Noblit of Centerburg and Megan Noblit of Centerburg; great grandchildren, Julia, Jacquelyn, Brock, Jocelyn, Mikayla, Jacob, Emma, Daniel, Laura, Luke, Carson and Kolton; brothers, Donald (Nina) Noblit of Marysville and Cleo (Lela) Noblit of Bucyrus and sister, Eunice Mauler of Bucyrus.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant son, James Frederick Noblit; grandson, Randy Noblit; daughter-in-law, Sandra Noblit and brother, Kenneth Noblit.

The Noblit family will receive friends Thursday, April 7 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service. The funeral will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in Good Hope Lutheran Church with Pastor Rodney Noblit officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with full military rites provided by American Legion Post 181. Memorial donations may be given to the Salvation Army, Crawford County Red Cross or Heritage Baptist Church through the funeral home.



Visitation:

2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 7

Wise Funeral Service



Service:

11:00 a.m. Friday, April 8

Good Hope Lutheran Church



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery