Noble Dean Wilhoite

Noble Dean Wilhoite, 77, Paola, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Miami County Medical Center in Paola. Noble was born February 12, 1940 in Paola, Kansas. He was the youngest of eleven children born to Fred Lee, Sr. and Emma Lou Dillard Wilhoite. He grew up in Paola and played football throughout high school. After graduation, he enlisted with the U.S. Army from August 1958 to May 1961. He served honorably as a Combat Ranger with the First Brigade 16th Infantry Regiment during the Pentomic ROAD Era. In 1961, he married and had two children prior to the union ending in divorce. In a later relationship, a third child was born. On July 24, 1964, he married Geecoulia Belle McCrary. Three children were born during their marriage. They were married for 52 years until his death. After Noble returned from overseas duties with the Army, he was employed at the Osawatomie State Hospital as a psychiatric aide. Later, he was employed at Kansas City Power and Light as a groundman. Later, he returned to the Osawatomie State Hospital where he retired as a Patrol Officer in 2002. Noble was a Grillmaster of barbecue and developed a unique barbecue sauce he called his own. He bottled his sauces under the labels Nob’s Barbecue Sauce and Mr. N. Barbecue Sauce. He enjoyed barbecuing meats and providing his signature sauce to friends and co-workers. He was an avid poet and songwriter. He was a member of the Songwriters Guild. His song, “Pray for Me,” was recorded and distributed. Noble enjoyed reading, fishing, and visiting with friends he grew up with. He gained satisfaction by reaching out and giving to those in need. He was preceded in death by one son, Matthew; his parents; four brothers, Fred Lee Jr., Robert, Jesse, and Ernest; and sister, Martha Towns. Survivors include his wife of the home; his children, Noble II (Sabine) of Germany, Kimberly King of Topeka, KS, Rodney of Kansas City, MO, Van (Lorena) of Maple Grove, MN, Deana of Paola; seven grandchildren, Chantel Wilhoite of Germany, LaToya Michel of Germany, Van Wilhoite II of Chicago, IL, Kameron King of Topeka, KS, Kyron King of Topeka, KS, Keauna King of Topeka, KS, and Ray’Gan Wilhoite of Cedar Hills, TX; four great grandchildren; brother Delco (Wanda) of Flagstaff, AZ; foster brother, John Sims of Topeka, KS; four sisters, Mamie Anderson of Indianapolis, IN, Venice Greenwood of Leavenworth, KS, Roberta Young of Dallas, TX, and Myrna Bernard of Hutchinson, KS; many nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends. In his memory, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in care of Dengel & Son Mortuary Paola Chapel. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Noble's Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.