Jerome “Jerry” Noble, 94 of Aledo, died Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home. Funeral services will be 4 p.m., Thursday, July 30, at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Visitation will be one hour prior to services, beginning at 3 p.m. Military Honors will be presented by the Aledo American Legion at the beginning of the services. Fellowship will follow the services at the Mercer County VFW. Private burial will be in Edgington Cemetery, Edgington, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County VFW.
Jerry was born on March 17, 1932, in Rock Island, Illinois. His parents were Roy and Belle (Edgar) Noble. Jerry was a graduate of the Joy High School. He served his country in the United States Army. He was previously married to Pauline Castle and Gail Crawford Dixon.
Jerry was a talented bulldozer operator, beginning in the military. He turned it into his career, owning his own excavating business. In his spare time, he could be found working on muzzle loading rifles, writing books about them, or going to conventions for them. He especially enjoyed dressing in period clothing and competing in the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association shoots at Friendship, Indiana. He was the founding president of the Mississippi Valley Gun Collectors. He also had a passion for Blue Grass Music. Wherever he went he could find someone to pick with. Jerry played multiple instruments, including the guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, and even enjoyed singing.
Jerry is survived by his children and spouses, Kathy and Rodger Whitehall, Kris and Dave Salmon, Kay Sell, and David Noble; son-in-law, Curt Franks; his long-time companion, Mary Price and her family; stepdaughter, Julie McNall (Tim), and stepson, Randy Dixon (Juanita); half-brothers, Jack Gilmore and Paul Gilmore; half-sister, Wynne Gilmore; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; daughter, Karole Franks; son-in-law, Danny Sell; sisters, Vella Gowdy and Vivian Huston; stepdaughter, Stacey Mitchell; and half-brothers, Glen Gilmore and Jim John.