ROBERT E. NOBLE, age 87 years, died in his home in Naples, Florida on Friday, February 29, 2008. He was preceded in death by beloved wife, Julia (Cowley) Noble on September 12, 1997.

He was born in Great Falls, Montana on May 21, 1920, the son of the late Edward B. and Mabel B. (Malone) Noble. Mr. Noble graduated from the Montana State University in Bozeman with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1939; and in 1975, he received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from the same university. During WW II, he served in the United States Army with the 90th Chemical Mortar Battalion attaining the rank of Major. He received the World War II Victory Medal and the American Theater Service Medal. He then joined the Army Reserves, retiring in 1980 with the rank of Colonel. In Naples he was an active member of the Reserve Officers Association.

As a chemical engineer, Bob Noble began his career with Hooker Electrochemical Company in Tacoma, Washington. Later he travelled the world as an executive with Amoco International Oil Company. He retired in Chicago as Vice President of Manufacturing for Standard Oil of Indiana. He and his wife, Julia, then lived in Bel Air, Maryland before moving to Naples in 1987. An active participant in many civic affairs, he was a member of and/or contributed to several organizations, including the Conservancy of SW Florida, the Old Naples Association, the World War II Memorial, the Montana Historical Society, the Montana State University Foundation which honored him with their Excellence in Philanthropy Award, and the Rotary Club of Naples - where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a Life Member of the Defiance Masonic Lodge 22 F. and A.M. and of the Boumi Temple Shriners, both in Tacoma, WA.

Bob Noble is survived by:

His daughter, Julie Noble of Belfair Washington

His sister, Margaret Walker of Great Falls, Montana

Several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Bonnie Jean Thomson and Lois Sampson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 7th at 10 a.m. at Slateville Presbyterian Church in Delta, Pennsylvania.

Reverend Carletta Curley, pastor will officiate.

Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery.

A gathering to remember Bob Noble will be held in Naples, Florida on Thursday, March 13th at 3 p.m. at The Carlisle, 6945 Carlisle Ct. (off Airport-Pulling Road near Orange Blossom Drive).

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by donating in his name to Avow Hospice of Naples, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105-3847.