Charles “Chuck” Noble

Charles “Chuck” Noble, 85, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 15, 2026, at his home. He was under the care of One Source Home Health and Hospice.

On March 7, 1940, Charles “Chuck” Noble was the last child born on the family farm in Buckhorn, Kentucky, to James and Ada Noble. His father James was a coal miner, and he moved his family to West Virginia for a brief time when Chuck was two but returned to Kentucky soon after.

When Chuck was fifteen, his father was injured in a mining accident that resulted in his family’s move to Wheatfield, Indiana. Chuck remained in Kentucky with relatives and attended Hindman High School in Central Appalachia. He spent summers with his grandpa Pap. His summers with Pap were some of the best memories of Chuck’s young life.

At Hindman, Chuck met an educator who would forever change his life. When Chuck was offered an appointment to West Point, Elizabeth Watts recognized this was not a good fit for him and instead secured him a full-ride scholarship to Berea College, the first interracial and co-ed Christian college in the South. Chuck was proud to share its motto: “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth” (Acts 17:26).

At Berea, Chuck became lifelong friends with Ival Secrest. They were determined to attend graduate school together. Only one accepted them both–New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. So they loaded up their car and headed west. In the registration line at Highlands, Chuck met a beautiful, determined redhead who would later become his first wife, Mary Catherine George. In 1962, Chuck and Mary married, and he adopted her son, Larry. They moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, so Chuck could study further at the University of New Mexico. In 1964, they moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho. He quickly and happily learned that people were sparse and game was plentiful, and he enjoyed many years of hunting and fishing. In 1965, his twin daughters, Becky and Patti were born, followed three years later by his younger son, Greg.

During Chuck’s career as a Nuclear Engineer, he worked for national defense contractor E G & G; managed projects for the first INEL spin-off company, Energy Incorporated, and finished his career with the Department of Energy, where he had the privilege to work with NASA on the Mars project. Chuck was well known for his sharp observations and blunt analogies. Perhaps his most memorable was uttered during a project meeting regarding the reassignment of personnel. Chuck observed, “Rotating four bald tires isn’t likely to increase traction.”

At D.O.E., Chuck met his second wife and soulmate, Sharon Zeigler, whom he married in 1994. His children knew she loved him and accepted his eccentricities when, during their courtship, his primary DYI project was disassembling a full-size truck camper that he then modified to fit the bed of a Nissan truck; hence, the “Tilt’n Hilton” was born. Later, a small fifth wheel trailer replaced the “Hilton” and the real adventures began, approximately 50,000 miles in total, with many interstate trips to visit family and sightsee, and to camp, hike, and mountain bike ride.

When not on the road, Chuck was often found at home working on a project. One of his favorite activities was to paint: fences, walls and trims, furniture, etc. Last year, in his 84th year, Chuck painted the entire exterior of his two-story house, some from a 30-foot extension ladder, much to the dismay of his daughters and passersby.

Chuck will be remembered for his love of poetry; his chocolate chip cookies, brownies, carmelita bars, and Chex mix; his deep faith in God; his quick wit; his love of sports and exercise; his hearty laugh and ability to tell a story, and his love for his family and friends. In parting and in reference to the legendary kiddy car incident of the early seventies, his children say: “Goodbye, Dad. You’ve been a good ol’ dad.” Thank you for that.

The family thanks Sandi O’Neill and Ivy Tillo for their loving care of their dad. They also thank OneSource Home Health and Hospice for their aid and support.

Chuck is survived by his son, Larry (Rhonda) Noble; his daughters, Rebecca (Mike) McGuyer, and Patricia Noble; his son, Charles Gregory (Tracy McCoy) Noble; his sisters, Joyce (Paul) Good, and Janice (Tom) Strain; three granddaughters; three great-granddaughters; and two bonus foreign exchange granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon L. Zeigler; father, James Noble; and mother, Ada Noble.

A celebration of life will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Idaho Falls YMCA at 155 N. Corner Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.

Condolences for the family may be sent to www.woodfuneralhome.com.