Melvin H. Nolen

A celebration of the life of Melvin Harold Nolen, 73, of Longview, Texas will be held on Saturday August 6, 2005 at 10:00 o'clock in the morning at First Lutheran Church, 3901 Bill Owens Parkway, Longview with Reverend Phillip Fenton officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Melvin was born October 1, 1931 in Louise, Texas to Warren and Loudell Nolen. He graduated from Louise High School in 1951. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served his country during the Korean War until 1955. He then attended and graduated from LeTourneau University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Melvin was employed by LeTournea, INc. for 45 years until his retirement in December 2000. After his retirement Melvin spent his spare time playing golf and fishing. He enjoyed many mornings spent with his golfing buddies and on the lake. His love for the game of golf kept him active until his courageous battle with cancer this year. Melvin was an extremely generous man who accepted new people into his family and home without hesitation. He was a man of few words, but his easy-going personality was a warm haven to everyonein his circle of friends and family and he was a true savior to many in thier time of need. Melvin was a dependable person who followed through on his promises and would go out of his way to help another. Melvin was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Longview, and a member of the LeTourneau University Alumni Association and a member of the VFW Post #4002. During his career at LeTourneau, he traveled extensively to Canada. Upon his retirement, he was recognized as an honorary Canadian Citizen for his excellent service to the area by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and the citizens of West Yellowhead. Survivors include his wife Jeanette Nolen, of 13 years, daughters and sons-in-law, Lynnea and Eric Williamson of Coppell, Texas; Clarissa and Randy Chapman of Mt. Pleasant and Amy and Randy Ramsey of Pflugerville, Texas, and one grandson and namesake Nolen Williamson of Coppell, Texas, Surviving siblings include two sisters Florine Hollan of Fowlerton, Texas; Dorothy Billingsley;husband Bob of Louise, Texas; two brothers, William Nolen, wife Doris of El Campo, Texas; George Nolen, wife Margie of Taylors, South Carolina; along with many nieces and nephews. Melvin was preceded ind eath by his sister, Beatrice Hollan and brother Donald Nolen. Pallbearers include Michael Adams, Joey Berry, Mel Kangas, Bob Kennealy, Earl Beckman, and Dan Eckerman. Melvin's golfing buddies will serve as honorary Pallbearers. Visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home on Friday August 5, 2005 from 6pm until 8 pm. Memorials may be made to Heart's Way Hospice of Northeast Texas, a non-profit organaztion, 1306 Pine Tree Road Longview, Tx. 75604 903-295-1680 or to the First Lutheran Church Building Fund, 3901 Bill Owens Parkway Longview, Tx. 75605

Melvin H. Nolen

October 1, 1931 - August 3, 2005