Neal Douglas Noble

September 26, 1934 - June 29, 2022

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Newark United Methodist Church

69 East Main Street

Newark, DE 19711

302-368-8774 |

Saturday 7/9, 4:00 pm

Neal Douglas Noble of Newark, DE, recently Willow Street, PA, went to join the Lord on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at the age of 87. He was born in Austin, TX on September 26, 1934, to the late Paul Hendrix Noble and Janie Francis (Welsh) Noble.

Neal had a lifetime devotion to the Lord, starting each day by reading his bible. He came from humble beginnings and overcame a difficult childhood with inspiration and support from influential teachers as his family moved dozens of times across the country, all the way from east Texas to Oregon. After high school, Neal enlisted in the armed forces and proudly served his country before attending college on the G.I. Bill and going on to earn his master’s degree. Neal was passionate about his work at John R. Downes Elementary School as a physical education teacher. Neal went beyond just teaching gym class, he inspired his students by educating them in memorable ways on having a healthy body and mind. He would come in early for Morning Tumbling, and stay after school or come in on weekends to ensure that his “Tigers” excelled by earning the Presidential Physical Education Award. Neal also was the first Director of the Rittenhouse Day Camp, managed the Nottingham Green Swim Club, wrote 3 books on physical education and lectured at conferences.

Neal was persistent, disciplined, loyal and, at times, stubborn. Prior to a car crash in 1987 that killed his first wife Arlene Noble and severely injured him, Neal transformed himself from barely being able to make one lap running around his block to running the Boston Marathon seven times. In his free time, Neal could be found traveling the country in his RV with his wife Karen Noble, cheering (or correcting the referees) at every sporting event his grandchildren had, and for many years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army, faithfully ringing the bell and tending the red kettle before Christmas in Newark for decades. Above all he was devoted to his beloved wife, Karen, and his family.

Neal is survived by his wife, Karen Noble; two daughters: Lori Davis (David) and Elizabeth Tobin (Keith); stepdaughter, Amy Scully (Rick); seven grandchildren: Katie Nicholson (Corey), Chad Davis (Cindy), Caroline Davis (Jake), KC Tobin (Jackie), Kyle Tobin (Rachel), Luke Tobin (Erin) and Eric Trent (Lauren); and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Neal was preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene Noble; stepson, Clark Hoffman; brother, Garland Noble; and sister Oleta Noble.

A celebration of Neal’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on July 9th at Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark, DE 19711. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering with or making memorial contributions directly to Habitat for Humanity or the Salvation Army.

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Kathleen Smith/Tsapos

James Burnham

Cheryl Bedford Roberts

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Newark United Methodist Church

69 East Main Street

Newark, DE 19711

302-368-8774 | Map

Saturday 7/9, 4:00 pm

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Our family was deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Noble’s passing! He was an extraordinary PE teacher at Downes Elementary where Our 4 children attended school. We still live in Cherry Hill and think maybe Lisa or Lori may too? He was a remarkable teacher and clearly a champion of living a healthy life! Our daughter Lindsay also additionally benefitted from his Tumbling classes which prepared her for her later sports accomplishments! His dedication to the health of our children will long be remembered!! His later vOlunteer efforts to assist others made him a worthy and memorable role model for many. He was a clear leader who laid the foundation for many athletes and scholars who excelled throughout their lives!! We were blessed to know him!!

I was lucky enough to have Mr Noble as my gym teacher at Downes for several years in the mid-1960s. He was very encouraging and kind to his students. He even got me to climb those ropes successfully, something I didn't think was possible. He was a great teacher. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Heartfelt condolences to all of Mr. Noble’s family and friends. He was an incredible P.E. teacher, I luckily had him at Downes. I have many fond memories of his class. My sympathies to his loved ones.

Karen… we are truly sorry for your loss.. Neal was a GREAT Guy……even though many years have passed since we have seen each other.. we think of you often and remember ALL the Fun we had shared… may God Bless and keep you at peace at this difficult time! Sincerely with Love RainE

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Karen. Please accept my condolences, prayers and hugs. You and Neal accepted me with open arms and smiles at NUMC and I will never forget that. Love, Pamela

Sending condolences to the noble family.We are grateful that we have known Neal for many years in the old neighborhood and working with him at Nottingham Pool, Marge & Gerard Valastro

I am sending my deepest condolences to Lori, Lisa and the Noble family and am holding you all in prayer. Like so many others have said, Mr. Noble was my elementary school gym teacher at Downes Elementary. I have so many happy memories. He made PE fun and was supportive when it was tough (the dreaded ropes & chin-ups), counting reps and encouraging you to push yourself further. I was always happy to see him at NUMC and ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Christmas time. I hope you find peace in knowing how much he touched all of his students and how fondly they recall him. He will be missed and never forgotten.

Wow. I don't know where to start in memorializing Neal. He was the most dedicated elementary school teacher I ever met and had the privilege of working with. Everything he did was for the kids, whom he called Tigers and Turkeys, in different situations. :) I considered him a friend and appreciated his advice as I prepared to run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, in one of the years he also ran it. I will think of him fondly in my memories of teaching at Downes Elementary. Neal was one-of-a-kind. God bless Karen and the rest of his family.

Lori, Lisa and the Noble Family, I am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was so full of energy and life and shared that (whether you asked for it or not) with the kids he taught and inspired. I was one of them. I never learned gymnastics...it was tumbling and Mr. Noble taught it along with lessons on achieving goals, doing your best and respecting others. I always enjoyed running into him later in life, at the grocery store or while he manned a Salvation Army kettle around Newark and sharing memories and news of family. He was a strong and positive influence on all who had the good fortune to know him. I feel blessed to have been one of those lucky ones... his student and friend! Know that the whole Reutter family is sending prayers and love your way. Paul

I send my deepest sympathy, love and prayers to the Noble family. Mr. Noble was my gym teacher for my 5th and 6th grade at John R Downes Elementary school. This was the first two years after Downes school opened. My mother, Jean Robinson, became the secretary there. That started our continued love and relationship with Neal. We had many years and memories with the John R Downes family. He will be missed greatly, but remembered more for everyone he touched. ❤️Jill Robinson am Ende

Mr Noble was like no other! He pushed you as much as he knew you could take. Riding my bike to school early to get to an exciting and challenging gymnastics class was the highlight of elementary school. He made exercise and athletics fun. I’m sure he influenced and inspired thousands of future athletes. He will never be forgotten.

I have happy memories of Mr. Noble as a motivating gym teacher that encouraged physical fitness and active play. I was one of those many “Tigers” that followed the Pied Piper of fitness to win the Presidential Physical fitness awards. I benefitted from his gymnastic classes and the after school soccer play. He encouraged my brother Pete when he was learning how to ride a unicycle to “teach that to your sister too.” And he did. I fondly remember Lisa and Lori as I went to school with them and was sandwiched between their grade levels. I am so sorry for your loss and I feel it with you. He was a great teacher!!! Signed, Tiger. ( :

Mr. Noble was such a positive influence on my life as a young student in elementary school. He was no nonsense and had a firm, strong voice, but did everything from a place a love and fun. You felt safe trying difficult things (those ropes!), and he was full of positive encouragement. I will never forget the impressions and lessons he left with me, and all his students. He was a good man. I'm better for having known him.

I have such fond memories of Mr Noble and the obstacle courses in gym class. He was a kind man and a passionate teacher. Rest easy, sir.

So sorry to hear of Neal's passing but I am another Mother whose children benefited by Neal's work ethic, moral compass, and upbeat manner. He led many lives it seems, and he taught lessons in every one of those lives. Our family has so many good memories. We knew Neal from our years at Downes until he and Karen moved to a retirement location. Our family sends condolences to Neal's family from Cathy, Carroll, Andrew, Mike, and Greg.

Neil and I were NUMC friends and worked together on Habitat for Humanity projects. He was a special person and left his mark on all of us. Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend the July 9 memorial service, but Karen and family will be in our thoughts and prayers. My favorite Harry Potter quote is --- "Death is but life's next great adventure." Neil will stay in our memories forever. Richard Waibel

Deepest sympathy thank Lori and extended family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

He truly was a great inspiration! I am 44yrs old and still remember him as my gym teacher . Brings back great memories of Downs elementary. A GREAT guy !

So sorry to her of Mr.Nobles passing. I have very fond memories from J. R. Downes with Saturday morning tumbling class. He never got any bodies name. He was always positive.

I have so many fond memories of Mr. Noble’s class at Downes—the parachute, the giant ball, Knees Up Mother Brown, rhythm sticks, learning The Hustle, Presidential Fitness Tests, Field Days, Saturday and morning gymnastics. There’s one bad memory—climbing ropes but he was supportive! Sending love and strength to Lori, Lisa and families.

To a wonderful man and gym teacher at Downes Elementary, RIP Mr. Noble.

Lori & Lisa, So sorry for your loss. Your Dad lives big in my childhood memories. I was one of his “Tigers”- gymnastics on Saturdays & some mornings. His rules were strict at Nottingham but it kept us in line - or sitting under the clock ? He was always encouraging us kids to do our best. He was the reason I became a lifeguard. Thank you both for sharing him with all of us. Much love to you all, Danielle Williams Holmes

Mr. Noble was my gym teacher at Downes. (1980-83). I loved him and his energy. I believe later on I ended up coaching his grandkid with Newark Parks and Rec soccer. Such a great legacy. Rest Easy Mr.Noble!!!

Mr. Noble was my PE teacher in elementary school around 1975-1978 when I was in kindergarten through 3rd grade T Downes Elementary. I still remember his kind, encouraging demeanor all these years later! He had a lasting pact on me. He coached me through tumbling, boosting my confidence and my fitness as a young child. He had THE BEST gym days with the most elaborate obstacles. He's the reason I loved PE.

Mr. Noble was one of my favorite teachers. He would always make us kids laugh in gym class at Downes.

He was so much fun!! Had him for gym class and gymnastics at Downs Elementary!! My thoughts are with you ❤️.

So sorry to hear about Mr. Noble, I remember him very well. Always a smile and a encouraging word. Very energetic and happy. He was my gym teacher in elementary school. John R Downes. RIP Mr Noble. God speed sir.♥️

I am very proud to be one of Mr. Noble’s “Little Tigers” and a former student in Morning Tumbling. My sincere condolences go out to the family. The angels are singing, “Go, you chicken fat, go!”
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My two daughters had Mr. Noble and loved him. As they said "He was my favorite!" He encouraged my youngest to join his morning tumbling and she has never regretted her experience with this kind generous man. My sincere condolences to the Noble family. He will be missed.

I would like to thank Mr Noble for his years of volunteering his time to those of us who were interested in learning gymnastics.

I fondly remember my favourite elementary school gym teacher. Mr. Noble was a kind, man and a wonderful teacher. A life well lived.

Lori, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Amazing father! I worked at Rittenhouse with you and fondly remember your father. Prayers for peace for you and your family

Turkey ❤️

My sincere condolences to all of your family. I enjoyed reading your beautiful tribute to him. He lived a full and active life helping people.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My condolences to entire Noble family. I have so many great memories of Mr. Noble as a neighbor and teacher. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. The last time I saw him was many years ago while he was ringing the Salvation Army bell in front of Boscov's at Christmas time. I will always remember him.

My deepest sympathy to the family. I have many fond memories of Mr Noble's gym class at Downes school and gymnastics classes. He was very passionate about his work and really enjoyed it.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.