Herman “Buddy” Noonkester of Luna Lake Road in Danville, VA, slipped peacefully away to meet Jesus, in the early morning of Friday, October 07, 2016, at Riverside Health & Rehab, Danville, VA.

Buddy was born to the late Earl and Stella Noonkester on June 17, 1923, in Danville, VA. He was a lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren, first at Schoolfield Church of the Brethren, and later Emmanuel Church of the Brethren. Buddy was faithful to his church, serving as lay speaker, church board member, choir member, bass singer of the church quartet, and adult Sunday School teacher. He was a graduate of Schoolfield High School, as a World War II veteran.

Buddy married Elizabeth Ann Motley Noonkester on July 25, 1943, who predeceased him on May 08, 2009. He is survived by one son, Jerry Lee Noonkester and wife, Joyce, of Richmond, VA; daughter, Marcella Noonkester Heldreth and husband Michael of Dry Fork, VA. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughter, Sarah Heldreth Draper and husband David; and two great-grandsons, in whom he delighted, Micah Edward and Noah Michael Draper all of Winston-Salem, NC.

Buddy served his country as a paratrooper with the US Army 11th Airborne Division in World War II, 1943-1946. He faced combat in New Guinea, Luzon, the Philippine Islands, and in Japan with Occupation Troops.

Buddy began and ended his working career in the transportation industry, first a long-distance driver for Fleming Transfer, later in shipping with Dan River Mills, and retiring at age 62 as warehouse manager with Overnite Transportation Company.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Buddy was predeceased by his sisters, Virginia Clark and husband Hubert, and Nancy Berkley and husband Clyde. He was also predeceased by a beloved granddaughter, Rebekah Lynn Heldreth.

The family wishes to express grateful appreciation to his caregivers through the years in his home, and the staff of Riverside Health & Rehab Center as a resident on numerous occasions, particularly his final stay of four days, where he felt loved and cared for deeply.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 09, 2016 at Swicegood Funeral Home with Rev. Curtis English officiating. Christian burial with military rites provided by the United States Army will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens, where Buddy will be laid to rest beside his dearly beloved wife, Elizabeth. Visitation with family and friends will be at Swicegood Funeral Home on Saturday, October 08, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Swicegood Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Noonkester family.

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