Gaylord Barry Nobles

Gaylord Barry Nobles Age 70, of Verona Street in Elmira Heights, NY, was born January 30, 1947 in Batavia, NY, the son of the late Roland C. and Dorothy M. (Bey) Nobles, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. On June 10, 1972 Gaylord married Crystal A. Webster, prior to her passing on September 6, 2005, they celebrated 33 years of life and love together. His brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Elizabeth (Betty Jo) Nobles also preceded him in death. He is survived by his children: son, Jason; daughter, Jill; grandson, Dillan; along with many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Blessed to have countless friends such as David Beitz, who he met in third grade; Kevin Webster, brother of his beloved Crystal; along with countless shipmates such as Wygant "Buck" Courter, Dan Lee and Captain Joseph Felty USN (ret.), who he sailed with and never left his life. After high school graduation in 1966, Gaylord enlisted in the US Navy from 1966 to 1972. He served at Kodiak Naval Station, Alaska and aboard the Ammunition Ship USS Haleakala AE-25, on which he sailed numerous cruises to the Tonkin Gulf of Vietnam. In November of 1970, he began a career with the NYS Department of Corrections at the Attica Correctional Facility. After 30 years of dedicated service, he retired as Correctional Officer in April 2001 from the Elmira Reformatory. He served his community as Den Leader, Webelos Leader and Cub Master of Pack 71, Scout Master of Troop 71 and Committee Member of Troop 13, all of Elmira Heights. He was a supporter of the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, ASPCA and benefactor of the "Crystal Webster Nursing Scholarship" awarded to a graduating senior at Crystal's alma mater of Wellsboro High School, Wellsboro, PA. He served as Officer and President of the AE/AOE Sailors Association, Life Member of the AE/AOE Sailors Association, VFW Post 524 of Corning, NY, VVA Chapter 0803 of Elmira, NY, Westfield Historical Society of Westfield, PA, American Legion Post 0519 of Westfield, PA, US Navy Memorial of Washington, DC, Chemung County Rod and Gun Club, The National Rifle Association, Chemung County Military Honor Guard, sponsored by the American Legion Post 154 and is a strong defender of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. Gaylord was an avid genealogist who traced his direct lineage back 11 generations to Thomas Nobles, who came to Boston, MA from Scotland in 1653. His 4th and 5th great grandfathers were patriot soldiers of the American Revolution. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira/Southport, NY on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services honoring his life will be held there on Wednesday, April 26th at 10:00 am. The Reverend Edward Collins will officiate. Interment will follow in the Brookfield Cemetery, Brookfield, PA where he will be laid to rest with his beloved Crystal and his ancestors who rest there dating as far back as the pioneer settler's of Brookfield in 1812. Military Honors will be accorded to Mr. Nobles at his gravesite by the group he was a part of for many years, the Chemung County Veteran's Honor Guard. Gaylord's tribute wall may be signed at www.olthof.com. Gaylord would often close his conversations with shipmates by saying, "Have fun and keep sailing!"