Charles Noland

Charles Frederick Noland, 78, of Benton, LA died Monday, Dec 12, 2016 due to complications of pneumonia. He had been in deteriorating health for a long period of time. He was a resident at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home since November. A Memorial Service will be held in honor of Mr. Noland at 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Forest Park East Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103. Charles was born in Kalamazoo, MI on Nov 27, 1938. He was adopted by Charles Bernard Noland and Nina Noland of Westerville, Ohio. At age 10 he was selected to be in the Columbus Boys Choir where he sang in local areas and neighboring states during 5th and 6th grades. Due to his father's failing health the family moved to Ft Myers, Florida. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he had a distinguished forty- four year career. Among his numerous assignments were to U.S. Air Force bases in Incirlik, Turkey, Okenawa, Camp John Hay, Philippines, and Eielson AFB. He distinguished himself in his services in the Vietnam Conflict receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service and the Air Medal. Other medals included AF Longevity Service Ribbon and the AF Outstanding Unit Award. He retired from active duty in 1985 and was promoted to Acting Chief, MWR at Eielson AFB, Alaska. He met and married Betty Sleagle and went to Luke AFB in Arizona until 1988. He was assigned next to Myrtle Beach AFB in South Carolina as the Financial Director for MWR. There he was influential in the opening of Ft Fisher in North Carolina. When Myrtle Beach was destined to close. Charles was selected to be the Deputy Chief, MWR at Barksdale AFB. Shortly after arriving at Barksdale the MWR Chief left and Charles was placed in that position. His wife Betty also became ill and passed away 8 months later. Charles later became the Deputy Commander of the Services Squandron for Barksdale. He retired in 1995. Charles was especially passionate about all sports and was highly involved in playing or officiating at all the bases he served. In 1994 Charles married Sharon Austin, who was a librarian at Barksdale and survives him. He was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Noland of Galveston, Texas, a brother-in-law, Raymond Sartini of Bossier City, a brother-in-law, Peter Laughlin, Sr. of Dardenelle, Arkansas, and brother-in law, James B. Overmier, M.D. of Leipsic, Ohio. He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Overmier, sister-in-law, Karen Sartini of Bossier City, sons Robert Noland and David Noland, daughters Cara Noland-Wombles, and Brenda Noland-Williams, step daughters, Christine Elizabeth Austin, Kathryn Jane Austin, Lori Slagle Blandford and Deb Gauld-Lash. Step-nephew Peter Laughlin, Jr., and spouse Sandra Laughlin, and nieces , Lisa Beuscher, Sarah Gomez, Marsha Robbins, and Dawn Dunn, live in the local area with their families. Nephews-in-law Michael Laughlin and Timothy Laughlin and niece-in-law, Cheryl Scherschel and their families, as well as his numerous extended family in Ohio and grandchildren are all part of his great legacy.