Nobles, Bobbie L.

Bobbie L. Nobles, loving father and loyal friend passed away January 2, 2017 in Albuquerque. He was born into the large family of Garret L. and Cordilia Nobles on 13 September

1932 in Bernalillo, NM.

His family left in

1941 to become itinerate farm workers finally permanently settling in California where Bobbie graduated HS in 1950. He joined the USAF in 1951 and became a pilot retiring as Lt. Col in 1974 in Albuquerque. He was married to Claudia A. Boone for 52 years prior to her death in 2010. While serving a second combat tour in Viet Nam, Bobbie worked as advisor to the Vietnamese Air Force and became lasting friends with his Vietnamese counterparts. As Saigon fell to the communists Bobbie became concerned for the welfare of his friends there and became actively involved in the refugee settlement programs. His work with the Asian American community through the years has been recognized with several Civic awards. Among the Asian community his work was greatly appreciated and he was affectionately called "Mr. Bobbie".

He is survived by his son, David G. Nobles (wife Sherry) of Rio Rancho; and by six of his fourteen siblings, Catherine Mason, Jean (Gene) Nobles, Nellie Jo Casey, Tommy Nobles, Helen Zeiler, and Jerry Nobles; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with Services on Sunday, January 15th, 1:00 p.m. at FRENCH – University. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bobbie’s honor to the Asian American Association of NM. Please visit our online guestbook for Bobbie at www.FrenchFunerals.com