Paul Eugene NOEL Obituary (2025)

Paul Eugene Noel, 79, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 14, 2025. He was born in Yakima, WA on December 3, 1945, to James Alfred Carter Sr. and Ellen Lillian Noel (Norman). He was one of seven siblings, raised in Yakima and graduated from Eisenhower High School (Ike) in 1966. He worked in the fields and orchards around Yakima valley, planted trees for the Greenway Foundation, and worked for the Parks & Rec Department. He retired from the Yakima School District after 34 years. Thirty-two of those years were spent as the Head Maintenance Engineer at Ike. Paul was honored for his efforts when he helped organize Eisenhower's emergency shelter when Mount Saint Helens erupted in 1980, which included residing in the shelter for over a month. Paul was also honored by Vice President Dick Chaney in person for his years of dedication and service to the Yakima School District. Paul enjoyed whittling wood and creating walking sticks with his wife Gwen. His free-hand sketches were amazing. He loved anything to do with the outdoors, whether it be going to the ocean, walks through the woods, collecting rocks, camping, or driving in the mountains. He loved tending to his flower gardens with his wife Gwen, and they were once awarded "yard of the year". Paul was dedicated to his family. He loved traveling throughout the states while making memories with them throughout his life. He was the most loving, caring and nurturing father figure to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Paul is survived by his children: Kenneth E. Noel, Tamara (Mark) Chance, and Kimberly (Allen) McWain, and Gwen's sons Brad, Doug, and Jim (Serena) McCollum; grandchildren: Jeremy Turner, Mark Jr (Rose) Chance, Cortney (Joe) Glaspey, Benjamin McWain, and Ken F. Noel; great-grandchildren: Josiah, Logan, Ryan, Veyron, and Madelyn Glaspey; siblings: Ellen Warren-Seaton, Shirley Thomas, Gwen Noel, Buck (Donna) Noel, and Skip (Janie) Noel, and numerous nieces, nephews. He's also survived by his first wife Karen Rizzo (Ball) and her family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his cherished wife Gwendolyn Noel (Watt), his daughter, Stephanie Noel, granddaughter, Vanessa McWain, and his brother, James Carter Jr. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:00am at Terrace Heights Memorial Park (3001 Terrace Heights Dr, Yakima, WA 98901). Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Cards or flowers can be sent to Shaw & Sons (201 N. 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901). Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com.