David D. Noel, age 85, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away in his home, surrounded by family on December 22, 2020. He passed away from cancer after an almost four-year battle. He was born July 15, 1935 to parents Mary and Clarence Noel.

David was a proud veteran of the Unites States Air Force. He served his country proudly for nie years. He was originally stationed at Duluth Minnesota Airbase, where he would meet his wife of 62 years, Marlys. He met his longtime love through a friend that was dating his sister. They married on May 11, 1957 in Duluth, Minn. David and Marlys moved to Porterville, Calif. a few months after they married to be closer to David’s family. Due to David’s time in the Air Force they later traveled to Hahn, Germany where David was stationed for two years. Throughout their years together they welcomed six children into the world. They later migrated north to Humboldt County, where they would make their permanent home. They have lived in Fortuna for the last 34 years.

David was a jet mechanic in the Air Force for several years. Often David loved telling stories of his days in the Air Force to his family. He worked for Noel’s TV in Eureka and later opened up his own shop in Fortuna with his boys. He retired at the age of 77, but always kept a hand in the business. He loved talking with his customers and enjoyed fixing things.

David was an avid fisherman. There was nothing he loved more than early mornings out on the water. He, and his sons, spent countless hours out on the ocean fishing. On one of his great fishing adventures, David caught a 96-pound halibut, one of truly many days on the water to remember. He was also known for his green thumb; he was able to grow an incredible garden every year. Even chemo and hospital stays couldn’t keep him out of his garden. He had a love for animals as well. Throughout the years he had a slew of cats, dogs and rabbits.

David was a quiet man, never one to judge, slow to speak, quick to listen. He had a fuse a mile long. He loved spending time with his family during Sunday dinners and holidays. He was the one who always carried a camera or camcorder in order to capture memories for the family. David was an amazing Yahtzee player; he spent a lot of time playing Yahtzee and cards with his kids and grandkids.

David is preceded in death by his parents Mary and Clarence Noel, his sisters Faye Noel, Model Boone, Noran Yow , Margeurite Hutchinson, and his brothers Earl Noel and Buck Noel. He is survived by his wife Marlys Noel, his sister Gail Dickson, his children Mark (Tami) Noel, Dava (Keith) Harvey, Kirk(Julie) Noel, Leon (Glenda) Noel, Dale(Terena) Noel and Gary Noel, as well as 12 grand children and 7 great grandchildren. David was a family man; he loved his family, and they loved and respected him. He will be greatly missed by his family, but his legacy will live on through them. His family finds comfort in the fact that he is home with his lord and savior. Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the lord forever.

There are no services for David. Please spend time with your loved ones.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of David Noel’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.