Ronald R. Noden

Ronald Ray Noden, age 92, of Tecumseh, Mich. passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. He was born September 5, 1931 to Ray and Viola Noden of East Moline, Ill. Ronald grew up in East Moline, attending John Deere Elementary School and United Township High School. Ron enjoyed sports and participated in football, basketball, and track all four years. During his sophomore year at U.T.H.S. he met Mary Ann Clark who became the love of his life. They were married July 13, 1952. Two children, Mary Beth Noden and Ronald Todd Noden, were born in 1960 and 1963 respectively.

Following graduation, the couple moved to West Lafayette, Ind. where he completed his senior year at Purdue University. Following graduation, he attended R.O.T.C. training camp and received a commission as Second Lt. U.S. Army Ordnance Corps. Because the Korean War ended suddenly his orders to report for active duty after commissioning were changed to subject to active duty within two years. Because he did not interview for jobs due to his previous commitment to active duty, he visited Fifth Army Headquarters in Chicago and applied for an immediate active post. To his surprise he was ordered to Fort Sheridan, Ill., where he was assigned assistant property officer of Post Ordnance.

After two years in the Army, he was offered a position at Ford Motor Co. in their management training program. He spent 32 years with Ford working at purchasing positions in the following locations: Ford Division Purchasing, Purchasing Staff at World Hdq, Dearborn, Mich.; Purchasing Agent, Fostoria Spark Plug Plant, Fostoria, Ohio;  Electronics Division Staff at Rawsonville, Mich.; and Purchasing Agent, Philco Corp. Lansdale, Penn. He traveled extensively for Ford attaining a Million Miles award from American Airlines. His last assignment before retiring in 1986 was to participate with the team that introduced electronic engine control and fuel injectors into Ford vehicles.

After retiring from Ford, Mr. Noden took a position with Motorola Semiconductor as a consultant. Later he founded his Manufacturing Representative company for Motorola Inc. products.

Mr. Noden was preceded in death by his father, mother, wife, Mary Ann and two older sisters, Lorraine D. Noden and Marion J. Christensen. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Beth Noden of Tecumseh, a son, Ronald (Amy) Noden of Mountain Brook, Ala. and three granddaughters, Grace of New York City, N.Y., Ellie of Dallas, Texas and Hattie of Mountain Brook, Ala.

The family has chosen to remember him privately at this time.  Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. Condolences may be offered to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.