Birth date: Oct 23, 1951 Death date: Jul 3, 2021
Retired jurist and Pittsburg attorney Donald Ray Noland III left his earthly home on Saturday, July 3, 2021 following a valiant battle fighting a sudden illness. Judge Noland was born on October 23, 1951 in Manhattan, KS to Donal Read Obituary
I was saddened to read about Don's passing. I want to especially express condolences to his sister, Denise, and brother, David, as well as to all other family members.
There was a time during the 1990's while I was a social worker at the Youth Center at Atchison (later becoming the Atchison Juvenile Correctional Facility) where I would notice that Don was listed as the judge on a case. Ironically, seeing Judge Noland's name listed tended to bring back memories from many years before while we were living in Chanute.
During the summer of 1963, when I was ten years old, Don and I played baseball in the Major League in Chanute at the same time. It was a really big deal for me to get to play in the same league as guys who were two grades ahead of me, and I have always thought of Don as being one of the best players that season.
I also want to say that I have have some special memories of our being in band together for one year at Royster Junior High. This was during the 1965 - '66 school year.
Mike Arnold, CHS class of 1971
Retired Social Worker/State of Kansas
Substitute teacher Doniphan West School District, Highland, KS
I am so very sorry for your loss! I always enjoyed listening to him & my late boss, Kathleen Cerne, discussing current issues, movies they wanted to see, & in some cases, discussing a current case that had Kathleen needing advice. Judge was a great person & will be missed by many! Sending prayers to the family.
Growing up with the Noland's in my youth, I attended Pittsburg State Univ. and also worked at Washington's Cigar Store. Don would come enjoy "the coldest beer in town" at the counter while I worked the counter. He was such a gentle spirited person!! And that great smile on his face you just knew you were welcome to be in his presence. As I have aged, I quickly realize memories are the greatest things you can own and carry with you. Love to the Noland family. He was a great human being, man and I am sure husband, father, brother, son. Blessings to you all in this loss as we all lost a great man.Sincerely,
Robert "Hutch" Hutchison
We're so sorry to hear about Don's passing. Don was always one to make people laugh and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend. Thoughts and prayers for all the family. May God give you comfort and peace.
Steve and Retta Seger
I am saddened to learn of Don’s passing. He was a friend and a good man. For a number of years I served as court administrator for the 11th Judicial District. In the very early1980’s the court set up a juvenile/misdemeanor public defender program. The idea was to contract with an attorney to represent juveniles appearing before Judge Loffswold or misdemeanor defendants appearing before Judge Gariglietti. Don was the guy and did a yeoman’s job—albeit underpaid. One of my distinct memories is the Bar softball team. Don was a hardcore softball player among some softball-challenged lawyers. We had many good games at Lincoln Park plus the beer afterwards was always cold. May God’s love and promises comfort the Nolan family.
Chris Johnson
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Kinda an odd post, but it speaks volumes to the type of man Don Noland was- as well as providing a life lesson to all of us. To the family: in the event I have misidentified Don, my sincere apologies in advance. I believe I am 99% accurate however. This chance meeting occurred in Fall of 1968 I believe. The SEK LEAGUE consisted of several southeast Kansas communities such as Chanute, Pittsburg, Columbus, Ft Scott, Parsons etc. A one day "convention" was called by all the high school principals AND the Student Council Presidents of each respective school. I was the Student Council President of Columbus KS High School. A very VERY friendly and outgoing Student Council President or attendee came up to me- a complete stranger and introduced himself and just hung out with me the whole day. Joking with me. Sharing stories. Eating lunch with me. Just being a " new found friend". 50+ years later I think of that chance occurence all the time, even though we never met ever again. Lasting impression that young man made on me. He introduced himself as Don Noland. My name is Stan Atkinson. POINT OF THIS MEMORY/STORY: Be kind everyone. Be considerate. Be genuine. Be friendly. Smile. Reach out to strangers. Start thinking of others instead of SELF. Be happy. Be grateful. BE LIKE DONALD NOLAND because he touched me. It felt good then and feels good now. God Bless his soul and may his family and friends find peace in this difficult period. Dr. Stan Atkinson July 8, 2021
Through his volunteer efforts, his work in the legal profession and his time on the bench,
many people have been blessed in so many ways and many may not even know his name. He was a pro-active visionary that knew that justice was best served both in and outside of the courtroom. I remember the morning he called me to ask if I would serve on a planning committee to start a Big Brother/Big Sister program in Pittsburg. When Don Noland came calling you knew the cause was worthwhile and you said "yes."
He was a source of inspiration and wisdom to all of us that were fortunate enough to co-exist in his orbit. His zealous reverence for objective truth, compassion for others and equal ,justice will live on in the thoughts and actions of those people whose lives he touched.
Deepest sympathy to my dear friend Theresa and all of his family.
