Allyn Noel, 70

Allyn Noel, 70, of Dana, died on Tuesday, March 25.

He was the son of the late Dr. Stephen Noel and Jane Noel of Hagerstown, Md., and was married to Michele Hipp of Beaufort, S.C., for 36 years. Allyn graduated from Gettysburg College in 1965 with a BS in Biology. While there he served as the Drum Major and received his Commission through ROTC into the US Army. He also received a Masters in Education Administration from the Collage of William and Mary in 1975.

Allyn served the country for 21 years as an Army Aviator, flying both helicopters and airplanes. He was among the first pilots to fly Huey helicopters with weapons on them. He served with distinction for two tours in Vietnam where he was awarded 2 Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and 37 Air Medals. Allyn retired from Ft Eustis, Va., in 1986 with the rank of Major.

Allyn retired to his favorite place in the world, Michele's family's summer home, Dana, in 1986 where he began a second career as an educator. He spent the last 25-plus years working with children at Edneyville Elementary School as an administrative assistant, bus driver and much more. With a master's in Education Administration, he could have had most any role in the school system, but wanted to be close to the children and make a difference in their lives.

Allyn was a member of St. James Episcopal church. He was active in working with the Carpenters Club, the African Medical Mission and served on the vestry.

As his favorite musician, Jimmy Buffett, would say, Allyn kept growing older but not up!

He is survived by his wife, Michele; mother Jane Noel of Alexandria, Va.; son, Stephen Noel and his wife Katie of Pendleton, S.C.; daughter Kathy Herrell and her husband Mark of Richmond, Va.; sister Carol Goss and her husband Dave of Fairfax, Va. He is also survived by four grandchildren; Emily, Trey, Lillian and Ryan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Saint James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville, conducted by Rev. Dr. Joel G. Hafer followed by military honors prior to a reception in Stillwell Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or to the St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 in the memo line, Carpenters Club.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.