Kevin Gregory Noonan Obituary (1949 - 2024)

Born Nov 17, 1949, Kevin Gregory Noonan attended Roxbury High School in Succasunna, NJ. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Kevin Gregory Noonan.

Graduation Year	Class of 1967
Date of Birth	Nov 17, 1949
Date of Passing	Jan 05, 2024
About	Kevin Gregory Noonan, formerly of Salina, “finally made it home” on January 5, 2024. Coach Noonan was born to Walter and Mary Noonan on November 17, 1949 in Morristown, New Jersey and grew up in nearby Kenvil. After graduating from Roxbury High School in 1967, he accepted a scholarship to play baseball at Kansas Wesleyan University. There he helped the team to win the 1969 and 1970 KCAC Championships. He graduated from Kansas Wesleyan in 1971 and right away began what would become his life’s passion, teaching and coaching. In all, Kevin was an educator for 36 years, beginning at Sacred Heart Junior High in Salina, KS (6 years) and retiring from Southeast of Saline in Gypsum, KS (30 years). He taught social studies, history, drafting, and PE throughout his career and he coached baseball, softball, football, basketball, and track at both the Junior High and High School level. Kevin loved coaching, especially baseball and softball, but never hesitated to volunteer to mentor and prepare young athletes in whatever sport or activity he felt he could help out with. Over 46 years, Kevin coached with the YMCA, Knights of Columbus, Babe Ruth, American Legion, and even after retiring from teaching he continued coaching softball at Bethany College and then finally at his alma mater Kansas Wesleyan. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Becky (Vanover). Together they were the ultimate team for over 50 years, raising their two children (Casey and Kelli), attending every single one of their countless games, recitals, and performances. They had recently moved from Salina to Wichita to be closer to their grandkids who they adored and spent every minute they had being the absolute best Grandpa and Grandma. Kevin and Becky enjoyed going on their “baseball trips” every summer, going to estate sales together, and were always helping their friends, neighbors, and others. Kevin genuinely loved life and never met a stranger. He loved to laugh and talk to everyone and never missed a chance to pull a prank or tell a joke. He enjoyed woodworking and being in his shop with all of his tools, loved the New York Yankees, oldies music, car shows on TV, westerns, telling and retelling stories, and a good hot dog or hamburger. Kevin handed out silly nicknames, had a plethora of his own brand of sage advice (Noonan-isms), and was quick to smile and encourage. During the summers you could find Coach Noonan painting and roofing homes, working backstage at concerts at the Stiefel, or getting fields ready at East Crawford in the daytime and then at night out at ballfields again; either playing or in the dugout always with his glove, his bat, and his bucket. He was selected into the Kansas Wesleyan University Hall of Fame in 2002 and later was a part of that same selection committee that bestowed that honor upon him. He was the epitome of a positive role model, husband, father, and grandfather and he lived his life with unmatched humility. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Walter and Mary Noonan, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifton “Van” and Florence Vanover, sister-in-law Marcia LoVullo. He is survived by his wife Becky Noonan (Wichita, KS), son and daughter-in-law, Casey and Alisha Noonan (Salt Lake City, UT), daughter and son-in-law, Kelli and Justin Long (Cheney, KS), nieces Jamie LoCastro and her husband Dennis (Marleigh, Brecken) and Morgan Lovullo, and brother-in-law Jim LoVullo and his beloved grandchildren Brady and Audra Noonan, and Parker, Maddie, and Burkley Long. Coach Noonan may have walked off the baseball field and into the cornfield, but the pure joy and love of people and life carries on within every person who had the pleasure to meet him. To quote one of his idioms, “It’ll feel better once it stops hurting.” We know it will Coach, but it’s going to take awhile. Visitation will be held at Ryan Mortuary from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11th. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January, 12th. Celebration of Life (Storytime) will be held following the service and internment. In lieu of flowers memorials to Kansas Wesleyan to create a future Kevin Noonan Memorial Scholarship.

Classmate Memories

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Scott Sandstrom '72 said:

Kevin was a north first avenue guy and I was a north second Ave guy. we had a big rivalry in any sport. I relished the competition we had. We both went on to have successful coaching careers. Kevin in Kansas and me in Arkansas. You will be missed. Rich Colananni

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Kathleen Stevenson '67 said:

When I was in the 2nd grade we moved to Jersey from NYC. The teacher sat me next to Kevin. He was instantly friendly and helpful. In our Sr. Year we were voted “Most School Spirit” and I am sure it was because we both loved our years at Roxbury High School. It was an honor to know Kevin. We caught up with each other at every class reunion. He was a kind, unassuming gentleman who adored his family. Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin was very special to the RHS Class of ‘67.

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Georgann McConnell '74 said:

I did not know Kevin personally but did know his parents. His mother Mary worked with my mother at the Kenvil Novelty. They all socialized together when I was a child. Bless them all together now in Heaven. May they find comfort in all the wonderful memories shared.

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Brian Dillon '61 said:

I did not know Kevin. His summation of life (obit) tells me he was one of the most remarkable, tireless human beings God ever put on Earth. My condolences and prayers to his Family and Friends. I wish I could have know him.
Brian Dillon
Roxbury Class of 1961

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