Richard Vander Noles

Richard Vander Noles passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 29, 2021. He was born in Ringgold, Louisiana on April 19, 1942 to Vander Pearce Noles and Avis White Noles. He adored his wife of 43 years, Judy Harper Noles. His daughters Karyn Noles Kearney (Bill), Barbara Noles Tims (Heath), Courtney Noles Cassias (Ian), and Melody Noles Hawkins (James) idolized their father and hero. He was predeceased in death by wife Anita McAbee Noles and daughter Bethany Laura Noles. He radiated joy when surrounded by his grandchildren Jackson Luis Bewley, Pierce Eduardo Bewley, Carter Richard Tims, Graham David Tims, and Adelaide Laura Cassias. He loved his nieces and nephews like his own children. No man ever loved more or was more loved. Richard was a wise, Southern gentleman who cherished his family and the Lord with his whole heart. He reared his family on his beloved family farm in Heflin. The deed to the property purchased by his great, great grandparents in 1878 hangs in his home. His happiest days were spent on the farm, surrounded by his herd of red angus cattle, working until sunset. Over the years his children, grandchildren, and nephews worked beside him on the farm and will carry on the time-honored work ethic instilled in them by their Papa. During his lifetime Richard suffered much loss, but he never waivered in his faith. Many times he shared his testimony with others when they experienced tragedy. His faith was emboldened by Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." He was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Heflin Baptist Church for decades. As a teacher, Richard fueled a love of history and country within the hearts and minds of his students. As a principal he instilled hard work and self-discipline in students and was inspired by their curiosity and resilience. Richard served as Webster Parish Superintendent of Schools, a Board Member and Treasurer of Claiborne Electric Co-Op, President of the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives, and President of the Bistineau Cemetery Association. Services for Richard will be held at First Baptist Church of Minden at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 2nd. Pall bearers will be Elijah Butler, Jeff Harper, John David Noles, Johnny Rowland, Jason Rowland, Cory Russell, Cade Woodard, Cody Woodard, and Jody Woodard. Honorary pall bearers will be the deacons of Heflin Baptist Church, Fred Evans, Jon Guice and Jerry Lott. Guests at the service are respectfully requested to wear masks. For those that are unable to attend the service, it will be streamed by First Baptist Church of Minden. The family suggests St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the Heflin Baptist Church Building Fund for those who wish to make a gift in Richard's memory. Rose-Neath Funeral Home 211 Murrell Street Minden, Louisiana 71055 (318) 377-3412