Gene Arlen Nolen

Gene Arlen Nolen, affectionately known as “Geno”, lived a wonderful and busy life. Gene was born July 3, 1940, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in and around the North Little Rock area and was raised by his grandparents there with his aunts, uncle, and cousins. Growing up with Louie, Shirley, Glenda, Bobbie and Jerry were some of his fondest memories. Though he lived in numerous places throughout the years, he eventually settled in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. He was a hardworking man, dedicated to his family and everything he did was for them. He was a decorated Army veteran and was extremely proud of serving as a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam. Gene was a magnetic force, people gravitated towards him, and he accepted and loved them all. He was compassionate, loving, caring, attentive and hilarious. If you were around Gene, you were guaranteed to laugh because he always had a great story for you. Gene had two great loves: his wife, Rhonda, and the game of golf. You would find him most days on the golf course swinging the club or fishing balls out of the pond with Rhonda, who was the best cart driver. He loved a bargain; he loved going to the swap meets to look around and search for that million-dollar treasure. He loved to listen to classic country music while refurbishing old golf clubs he had haggled someone out of. He loved his dog, Marlee, and would even FaceTime with her regularly while in the hospital.

Gene is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Shelton; his grandparents, Carrie Loyce and William Lewis Shelton; and son Gene “Geno” Nolen, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45.5 years, Rhonda Nolen; daughter, Deanna Nolen; son, Glen and wife, Laura Thomas Nolen; daughter, Amy and husband, Lonnie Richey; son, Mitchel Nolen; twin daughters, Jamie and Jennifer Nolen; grandchildren, Mandy Walezonia, Madeline Nolen, Tyler and wife, Kaile Richey, Jay Rebman, Loren Nolen, Taylor and husband, Daniel Day, Sarah Nolen, Tandi Richey Ryleigh McCoy, Aurelia Nolen and Aveylah Nolen; great-grandchildren, Brody, Bella, Brayson and Branson Walezonia, Lawson Bertrand, Easton Thomasson and those on the way, Wyatt Day and Baby Nolen.

Dad, we will miss you immensely! You were our go-to when life got rough, you were our sanity in this crazy world, and our comfort when we needed clarity. You were always the man we could count on, and although you were a straight shooter, you always got your point across and provided sound advice. You always made sure we made our decisions after thinking things through. You always gave it 110% and never stopped fighting for what’s right. Because of you, we have the hearts of a lion, the love of our family and an insane work ethic. We thank you Dad for all the calls, wise words of advice, the love you gave us and the beautiful lives we have lived because of you, your hard work and your boundless love for us. We are all better people because of you, Dad. We will forever keep you in our hearts.

Services to be held on January 29, 2024, at Wooster Funeral Home, 1601 S. Chickasaw, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, with interment to follow at Washington Cemetery, 23123 Eastern Ave., Washington, Oklahoma.