Rodney Joseph “Joe” Noble, 74, of Seneca, Kansas, died Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca after a battle with cancer.
Joe was born on May 12, 1952, in Axtell, Kansas, the son of Donald Keith and Beaulah Maye (Bauman) Noble. He grew up in Sabetha and attended Sabetha schools, graduating from Sabetha High School in 1970. While in high school, Joe enjoyed playing both basketball and football and participated in both sports all four years.
On July 31, 1972, Joe joined the United States Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey. During his military service, he spent a year in Germany and was assigned to Company A, 34th Signal Battalion. He was honorably discharged on July 24, 1975, attaining the rank of E-4.
Following his military service, Joe went to work for Bennett Trucking in Seneca as an over-the-road truck driver, a job he enjoyed for several years. He later went to work for Darling International in Seneca. A back injury eventually forced him to retire in 2019.
Joe married Dawn Elise Austin in Seneca on November 5, 2011.
Joe was instrumental in getting the American Legion Riders started in Seneca and helped establish Riders groups in other communities throughout northeast Kansas. He greatly enjoyed riding his motorcycle and traveling to surrounding states, collecting challenge coins along the way. He was also a devoted NASCAR fan and especially enjoyed watching Dale Earnhardt. Joe enjoyed spending time with his friends playing UNO and, above all, had a special place in his heart for his beloved fur babies.
Joe was a charter member of the American Legion Riders in Seneca and a member of Arthur Mills Post 21 of the American Legion in Seneca. He served as Post Commander from 2003 to 2007. He also served as Area East Commander of the First District and as a member of the First District Executive Committee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald, on July 7, 2011, and Beaulah, on December 31, 2017; and a brother, Eldon Keith Noble, on June 20, 2004.
Joe is survived by his wife, Dawn, of Seneca; a sister, Sharon Ann Austin, of Topeka; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service. Burial will be at the Sabetha City Cemetery in Sabetha, Kansas.
Memorials may be given in Joe’s memory to the American Legion Riders in Seneca or the American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of the family.
To express your sympathy or for more information, visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com.
