Richard E. Noakes

Richard E. Noakes, 82, was born Feb. 18, 1933 in Fall River, KS, to Harold M. Noakes and Grace M. (Griffith) Noakes-Sharp. Richard worked in finance and accounting for Beechcraft for 35 years, and then later for USD 259 before he retired in 1994. Richard married his high-school sweetheart, Alice L. (Dieckman), in Aug. of 1952. After his service in the U.S. Army, Richard and Alice settled in Wichita with their new baby daughter, Julie A. (Tomek), and soon after came their son, Brad. Richard died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Apr. 19, 2015. He is preceded in death by his father and mother; sister, Joan Karsting, and daughter, Julie. Survivors are Alice, his wife of 63 years; son and daughter-in-law, Brad A. and Winnie Noakes of Wichita; 5 grandchildren, Leah Marie, Teresa (Phoenix, AZ), Adam (Kalispell, MT), Tobi (fianc, AJ LaVoie) and Ian. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 23 at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers or gifts, a memorial in Richards name has been established with Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church, 3700 E. Mt. Vernon, Wichita, KS 67218. Downing and Lahey Mortuary West.