Noble E. Kizer, 84, of West Lafayette, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2018 at his home. He was born January 20, 1934, in Lafayette to the late Noble and Phyllis Templin Kizer.  On August 10, 1958, he married the love of his life, Gretchen Keehn, in Sweeney Chapel at Butler University.  Gretchen and Noble celebrated 59 years of marriage in 2017. Gretchen preceded him in death on October 18, 2017 and his beloved son Noble Eric on April 15, 1988.

Noble worked for Sears Roebuck for 35+ years. He began his career here in West Lafayette as a store manager working his way through the company eventually acting as lobbyist on behalf of Sears and the National Retail Federation. He spent a year in Washington DC as Vice President in charge of Veteran’s Affairs for the National Alliance of Businessmen.  As a young man, he spent 2 years in the Army at Fort Huachuca decipering and sharing messages via morse code.  He was a graduate of Indiana University; however he spent his first two years at Purdue University which he considered his Alma Mater.

In retirement, Noble continued to serve others, holding leadership positions at Stidham United Methodist Church, Lafayette Kiwanis Club, The West Lafayette Alumni Association, The West Lafayette Education Foundation and the Sycamore Audubon Society. He was a member of the John Purdue Club, The National Football Foundation, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and Niches Land Trust.

Noble enjoyed bird watching and spent many years leading Happy Hollow 5th Graders on early morning bird hikes during their annual visit to Camp Tecumseh. He also enjoyed sailing, photography and travel.

Noble was in all respects one of the biggest fans of the Purdue Boilermakers. His father, Noble Kizer was a football coach during the 1930’s and Athletic Director until his death in 1940.  Noble kept the Kizer tradition alive, representing his Dad at almost every football game up until his passing. He also had the honor of putting the “P” on the oaken bucket each year Purdue was victorious over IU.  He was looking forward to the 2018 season, cheering on the team to victory!

Perhaps Noble’s greatest achievement of all was the legacy he gained from his father and passed on to his daughters, grandchildren, great grandson and friends. He was compassionate, honest, generous and loving. He taught us all what it was to be “noble.” Even as he faced down pancreatic cancer these past 8 months, he did so with courage and honor. Just like his Father, he leaves a lasting impression on us all. It seems only fitting that the quote from his Father’s obituary written in 1940 by the late Arch Ward be shared today. It so aptly fit Noble’s father and his son, Noble Kizer whose passing we mourn but whose life we celebrate. “But it is a pleasant assignment to tell how decent he was, how fair his estimate of men, how wholesome his judgment of sports, how numerous his friends, and how non-existent his enemies. Although he had not had a good night’s rest in many weeks, nobody heard him complain of ill health or ill luck. He lived up to his name. He was noble to the end.”

Surviving are his daughters, Jennifer (Thomas) Linnane of Fox Island, WA and Lisa (Keith) MacDonald of West Lafayette; Grandchildren, Tom (Jenell) Linnane, Dan (Carissa) Linnane, Betsy Linnane; Sammi and Maddie MacDonald; Great-grandson, James Noble born on his great grandfather’s birthday.  Noble was preceded in death by his brother Richard Kizer.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am on Friday, July 20, 2018 at Stidham United Methodist Church. Reception immediately following at the Church.  Memorial Contributions may be made to: Stidham United Methodist Church, Purdue Cancer Research Center or The National Football Foundation.