Lawrence "Gene" Nobles, 97

Lawrence Gene Nobles, age 97 of Polson, passed away Aug. 30, 2024.

Gene was born on Jan. 31, 1927, in New Mexico. At the age of 14 the family relocated to California where Gene graduated from Vallejo High School in January of 1945.

Gene joined the Army Air Corps in 1947. While stationed in Enid, Okla., he met and married Nita Buxton. After completing his military service, they returned to California where Gene completed college obtaining an associate’s degree from Vallejo Community College. In 1951 he joined the Berkeley fire department.

Gene and Nita started their family in July of 1955 when they adopted Jeffery Dale, followed by the arrival of Beth Rene in 1957, son Lawrence Dane in 1959 and Gena Lea in 1962.

In 1968 Gene and Nita again relocated, this time to Montana where they owned and operated the Marina Motel, the Polson Ambulance Service and the Outpost Western wear. Gene also joined the Polson Volunteer Fire Dept in 1969 and served with them till his retirement as department chief in 1995. 

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Nita; his oldest son, Jeff; and his oldest daughter, Beth.

Gene is survived by his son, Dane (Sheila) and his daughter, Gena Mendez (Rudy); son-in-law David Iliff and daughter-in-law Pamela; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. at the Lakeview Cemetery. Donations can made to the Loaves and Fish food pantry, Polson Museum, the American Red Cross or the Polson Fire Dept.

Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.