Paul Robert Noland

Dr. Paul Robert Noland, 91, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015. A combat veteran, mayor, distinguished professor, father, and grandfather, Paul taught us to better our world by serving others. Paul Ennis and Ruby Noland raised Paul Robert and his siblings, Albert, Richard (Dick), Anna May and Claree, in Laura, Illinois. Paul attended Blackburn College before serving in the United States Army in World War II. Paul's company battled through Germany, assisting in the liberation of a concentration camp. The Army decorated Paul for his service, including three Bronze Battle Stars. Paul met Eunice Hazenfield at the University of Illinois. The two married in 1947, in Decatur, Ill. Paul completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in Illinois before matriculating to Cornell in Ithaca, N.Y. Paul accepted a professorship at the University of Arkansas over Tennessee and Hawaii because Fayetteville was the "most rural." Cornell professors advised Paul to "only stay in Arkansas a few years." 43 years later he retired as Head of the Animal Science Department. Members of Paul's family hold 19 degrees from the University of Arkansas. He is the university's 2012 Honorary Alumni. Paul advised 46 graduate students and received the university's 1963 Distinguished Faculty Member Award. As the Faculty Advisor of the Alpha Iota chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity from the mid-60's until his retirement, he counseled hundreds of young men in the fraternity's education and leadership program. The Arkansas Agricultural Hall of Fame recognized his achievements by inducting him in 1995. Paul and Eunice lived in Panama from 1955 to 1957, working on an agricultural mission sponsored by the University of Arkansas and USDA. The relationships formed then led to an enduring association with Panama and its people. Paul and Eunice returned to Panama many times, including in 2009 when the Panamanian government awarded Paul Panama's highest civilian honor, the Vasco Nunez de Balboa Award. Paul and Eunice opened their home to students from Panama and around the world. 132 Panamanian students attend the university today. Paul contributed to his community through the Lions Club, as a Boy Scout leader, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the City of Fayetteville, including five years as Mayor. He attended Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville for 65 years, serving as an active Sunday school teacher and member of the church's board. Paul is survived by his wife, Eunice Noland; brother, Albert Noland; sons Steve, Stewart, Bob, and Brian Noland; daughters-in-law Barbara, Debbie, Marilyn, and Ann Noland; grandchildren Heath and Ashley Noland; Matt and Hillary Sutherland, Ross and Ali Noland, Joe and Claire Beggans, John Paul and Brianna Noland, and Emily, Taylor, and Mallory Noland; and 10 great-grandchildren. The Memorial Service is Saturday, January 9, 10 a.m., Central United Methodist Church, 6 W. Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. Reception to follow. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Dr. Paul R. Noland Endowed Scholarship Fund, 1002 W. Maple Drive, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701.