John Clyde Noel, of Branson, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Indian Point on August 22, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife, Diane, and their children: Greg Noel (Angie); Angie Brod (Bill); and Pam Kutz (Jim). They sang John’s favorite hymns and worship songs while praying over him. Although his grandchildren were unable to be present, they each called to express their love for Papa before he passed. John was born February 7,1935, in his grandparents’ home in Hollister, Missouri, to Clifford and Mabel Noel. John was raised in Hollister and spent about as much time in the woods and rivers as he did in school, completing all 12 years of his education there and graduating in 1953. He jokingly said those were the “best 15 years of his life.” John’s love of the Ozarks, along with his commitment to his parents, kept him in Missouri throughout his life. John attended Drury University on a basketball scholarship. While at Drury, he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and he graduated in 1957 with a degree in Social Science. After college, John served four years as a motorcycle police officer in Springfield, Missouri. He then taught and coached one year in Newberg, Missouri before beginning a 42-year career in insurance claims spanning the state. While working in Kansas City, John met the love of his life, Diane Kay Garrison, on a blind date. John’s good looks, quick wit, story-telling, and infectious personality are what initially attracted Diane to him. They married the following summer on August 3,1963. Married for 63 years, they shared a life filled with faith, family, music, camping, travel, and cheering on the Chiefs! John’s greatest earthly joy was his family. He loved being a father and enjoyed spending time as a family camping, boating, and skiing around Table Rock Lake. While boating in 1979, the family found their forever home- a beautiful lakeside log cabin. Many happy times were spent on the front porch, ski boat, pontoon, and down at the dock. The home and lake became a treasured destination for the Noel family as it grew. John was blessed to be the proud Papa of nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with two on the way! Papa taught all the kids to love the lake, whether it be water skiing, tubing, coving-out, fishing, or floating at the dock. Many years of family celebrations, with Christmas being the most treasured, took place at the lake home. Upon arrival, the family could count on roaring wood stoves and a pot of Papa’s Famous Chili- a recipe passed down through the generationssimmering in the kitchen. Before opening presents, Papa would read the Christmas story aloud from the book of Luke, a tradition that kept the focus on Christ as the meaning of the season. John was a strong spiritual leader and was active in his church, where he served as a deacon and led Bible studies. He was passionate about studying the book of Revelation and taught many small groups on the topic of Jesus’ second coming. John was an avid reader of non-fiction and mysteries, but each night’s bedtime reading always began with a chapter of the Bible while enjoying snacks kept in Cool Whip containers in his nightstand drawer. John was a man of many talents and interests, with wood carving, vocal and instrumental music, and camping being important facets of his life. Upon retiring, John became a guest wood carver at Silver Dollar City. He specialized in carving dogwood flowers, churches, water mills, and landscapes. He and Diane were members of a Southern Gospel quartet called Proclaim, with John singing a strong bass. An audience favorite was when Proclaim sang, “This Old House,” due to John’s riveting solo. He and Diane were also active members of a camping club and enjoyed traveling the states together in their RV. While camping, John could be heard singin’ and pickin’ his banjo, ukulele, or playing the harmonica around a campfire. John had an amazing sense of humor and loved entertaining others with his jokes and storiesreplete with an accent. He didn’t know a stranger and had a way of making people feel like old friends, whether he had known them for years or they had just met. He was generous, honest, and hard-working and will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends as a man of faith. There will be a graveside service to honor John Clyde Noel at Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery in Forsyth, Missouri on October 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation is under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s honor to:

First Christian Church, 5 Hilltop Drive, Kimberling City, MO 65686   or  Pregnancy Life Line, 19621 State Highway 413, Branson West, MO 65737