Cleo Noland

Cleo F. Noland, aged 97, passed away January 23, 2014 at Presbyterian Manor, Topeka, Kansas.

Cleo, born July 13, 1916 in Guilford, Missouri, was a professional musician from the age of 18. Cleo played lead Alto Saxophone, Tenor "Sax" and Clarinet in bands and orchestras throughout the Midwest as well as in Washington D.C. The Dean Adamson Orchestra of Topeka was the final band he played with until the 1970's. He entered the Civil Aeronautics Administration, now the Federal Aviation Administration "FAA" in 1941. His career with the FAA spanned from the agency's early years until his retirement after 37 years of service. An air traffic controller, he was promoted to Tower Chief of the Topeka Municipal Airport (Phillip Billard Airport) in 1956. He managed the FAA facility for twenty years. A pilot himself he enjoyed every aspect of aviation.

Fishing and baseball were hobbies he enjoyed throughout his life. A member of Central Park Christian Church from 1950 until 2004; in 2004 he was honored as Elder Emeritus for his years of Leadership and service to the church. He is now a member of Highland Heights Christian Church.

He married Enid Geraldine "Jerry" Davis in 1940; they were married 64yrs until her death in July 2004. Survivors include; his daughter Linda Noland-Criqui, her husband Robert Lee Criqui her children; Cleo's Grandchildren, Alexander Davis Schaaf and Elizabeth Erin Schaaf of Topeka and Cleo's son Retired Kansas Air National Guard Master Sergeant Robert Davis Noland and his wife Chiquita of Goddard, Kansas.

Cleo will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday January 28, 2014 at the Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where the family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. that evening. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday January 29 at the funeral home followed by burial at the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Topeka Jazz Workshop, Jazz Education Fund, P.O. Box 452, Topeka, KS 66601.