Thomas Noland Jr

Thomas Sheley Noland Jr, 87, passed away Friday, July 12 2013 at his home of natural causes. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 400 W. Maple, Independence, MO 64050 followed by services at 11:00. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to First United Methodist Church in honor of Tom’s 80+ years of membership and service. Tom was born February 7, 1926 in Independence, Missouri to the renowned Noland family, Thomas Sheley Sr and Fern (Halleran) Noland. He was a 1944 graduate of William Chrisman High school. The day after graduation, he reported to Ft. Leavenworth as a cadet with the US Air Force. On completion of service, he returned to Independence and attended Findlay Engineering College and graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He married Rose Marie Billings Noland in 1948, in which they just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 13. He spent his career as an electrician with I.B.E.W Local Union # 124. He was a member of Independence Masonic Lodge #76, York Rite and many other Masonic bodies including 32nd Mason and then the Ararat Shrine. Tom and Rose lived on the same piece of Noland land for close to 60 years. Through the years, Tom was a member of 4-H, Supper Club and “Holke-Rovers” RV camping club. He had a busy life doing the things he loved most such as hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, and family activities. Tom would retell stories of his father’s association with President Truman, including their poker-playing days in The Harpie Club. Tom made two airplane trips this year to see his sister Frances in Orlando and his daughter Nancy in New Mexico as recently as last month. Survivors include Tom’s loving wife Rose of 65 years, daughter Nancy Noland and son-in-law, Todd Lucas MD, grandchild Alistaire Lucas, sister Frances Noland Lowe (Ed) of Orlando, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by son Daniel, brother, Norman Noland, sister, Julia Anne Noland Chryst, and parents Fern and Thomas Sr.