Rev. Eddie Robert Noel, 88, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. Ed was born to Chelsey and Marie (Brown) Noel on July 30, 1935.
Originally known as Bob, Ed grew up in various coal mining towns in southern West Virginia. Of these, he claimed Lenore as his hometown. Ed began following God at a young age, attending Lee University to prepare for the ministry to which he would devote his life. A child of the Depression, Ed was a collector of spare lumber, scrap metal, bent nails, and random parts. He was often heard saying that “This is going to be valuable someday.”
After university, he partnered with his father in a service gas station, where he spent many days and nights repairing cars. Following this business venture, he joined the Army, where he dropped his nickname, Bob, after being scolded by a drill sergeant for not responding to his legal name. Stationed in Governor’s Island, Ed met his wife of 63 years, Claire Noel (Grassano), while attending church in Brooklyn, New York. He offered her mints and a meal in Chinatown, which led to a loving partnership throughout his life. Through the Army’s medical lab program and night shift work in New York City hospitals, Ed was involved in early research focused on medical laboratory sciences, innovating medical diagnostics as we know them today. He turned down an opportunity to attend medical school in favor of pursuing his calling for ministry.
He founded the Newburgh, New York, Church of God and retired from the Harvest Church of God in Morgantown. In both pastorates, he enabled growth by finding property, designing, and personally constructing new church buildings. “For every house is built by someone, but the One having built everything is God.” Hebrews 3:4. God’s work through Ed is immeasurable.
During his retirement, Ed enjoyed his collection of classic cars and took pride in being able to repair anything. His ministry never ended as he used every opportunity to speak of Jesus’ love.
Ed’s legacy continues through his surviving family; beloved wife, Claire Noel (Grassano) of Morgantown; children, Eddie (Marcie) Noel, Beth (David) Britton, and Stephen (Linda) Noel; special niece and nephew, Camille (Bob) Bowers and Bennett (Dana) Grassano and their children Ally Bowers, Lydia Bowers, Bella Bowers, Opal Grassano, and Daphne Grassano.
Also surviving are his siblings, Sue (Gene) Tackett, Chelsey (Eleanor) Noel, Jr., Linda (Ron) Adkins, Kay Pennington, Beverly (Bob) Attaway, and Tim (Linda) Noel.
He adored his five grandchildren Daniel (Danae) Noel, Katie (Derek) Poole, Alex (Bailiegh) Britton and their son Blake, Kelsey (Isaac) Boyce, and Emily Noel. He recently met his new great-grandson Drayton Poole.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his brother, Bud.
A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Overflow Church, 1702 River Road, Morgantown, WV 26501, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jeremiah Bostic officiating.
Ed will be entombed at the East Oak Grove Cemetery, where the Monongalia County Honor Guard and the WVANG, Camp Dawson will conduct military graveside rites.
Philippians 1: 21, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Condolences:
www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
