Noonan, Gordon Deane
Gordon Deane Noonan, of Albuquerque, NM died surrounded by his family and friends on May 9, 2017. He was 78 years old.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy; sons, Michael of Albuquerque and Jeffrey of Winter Park, FL; and sister, Ardis Phillips of Dyersburg, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James (Da) and Martha (Baba) Noonan; and brother, James Rothwell Noonan, all of Dyersburg, TN.
Gordon was born on January 14, 1939 in Jackson, TN, the youngest child of the family. Nicknamed "Cookie" as a child, Gordon grew up in Dyersburg, TN before heading off to college at the University of Missouri. He later joined the US Army in 1958 stationed in El Paso, TX and served his country for three years.
Post Army life, Gordon relocated to Albuquerque where he met his wife. After three and a half years of living in Los Alamos, NM and Douglasville, GA they welcomed two children into their lives. They then moved back to Albuquerque and settled into their home of the past 43 years.
While starting family life back in New Mexico he enjoyed many activities and passions in the area including The Exchange Club, UNM Athletics, El Porvenir Christian Camp, First Christian Church and of course weekly dining at The Range (also known as "Nancy’s Kitchen").
As an insurance agent for over 40 years, he had deep ties to individuals and organizations throughout the state. Serving the community, the local university and his church were a core part of his life in Albuquerque. His biggest passion over the past 30 years was leading the El Porvenir Christian Camp as Chairman and President of the Camp Corporation. Growing and improving the camp year over year was one of his biggest achievements. Even up to the end of April, 2017 when he transitioned a passing of the torch to begin a symbolic new leadership within the camp corporation.
Gordon made his life a pursuit of serving others in both his work and private life. His private life often involved supporting the UNM Lobo basketball teams both home and away. It was a common practice to be at every home game and conference tournaments. His love of travel brought him to almost every inch of his home state but also took him abroad. With his immediate and extended family, often a large family gathering would take place in unique and exciting destinations near and far.
He was an active and dedicated member of First Christian Church, where he served in many roles since 1974.
Gordon passed away peacefully after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be remembered as a dedicated loyal husband and father, a leading figure in the church community, an excellent worker, focused on outstanding customer service, with an inquisitive nature, quick wit and sense of humor.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at First Christian Church, 10101 Montgomery Blvd. NE, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gordon’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to be given to the Gordon Noonan Memorial Fund for El Porvenir Christian Camp, "Where GOD changes
lives!" www.elporvenircamp.com/ give or via postal mail at HC 33 Box 180, Montezuma, NM 87731.
Please visit our online guestbook for Gordon at www.FrenchFunerals.com