Ark Noel Jr., 92, of Santa Fe, Texas, passed away on 4 September 2026. He was a retired district superintendent who led the Southeast Oklahoma District from 1987-2004.
Ark Jr. was born on 7 January 1934, to Ark Sr. and Grace Noel in Hominy, Oklahoma. Ark’s earliest memories were of his mother taking him and his siblings to Hominy Church of the Nazarene every Sunday. Pastor Barlow was his early mentor when he heard the call from the Lord, at the age of 17, to become a preacher.
After graduating Hominy High school, he went to Bethany Peniel College (now Southern Nazarene University), where he met Lula Mae Hendrix. They were married on 24 August 1954. Their wedding weekend started with them immediately heading out to hold a revival in Oklahoma.
Ark, along with his wife, served as an evangelist for 10 years and as a pastor for 34 years. In Oklahoma, he pastored Bennett Church of the Nazarene (1955-56), Okmulgee First (now Okmulgee New Day) Church of the Nazarene (1957-59), Dawson (now Tulsa Faith) Church of the Nazarene (1960-62), Durant (now Durant LifeSong) Church of the Nazarene (1972-74), Oklahoma City Meridian Park (now Oklahoma City Metroplex Fellowship) Church of the Nazarene (1974-76), and Henryetta Church of the Nazarene (1985-1987).
In Texas, he pastored Tyler First Church of the Nazarene (1962-65) and Dallas Woodland Park (now The Shepherd’s House) Church of the Nazarene (1966-72). He also pastored Lovington Church of the Nazarene in New Mexico (1965-66), Saint Marys First Church of the Nazarene in Ohio (1976-79), and Springfield First (now Springfield One Life) Church of the Nazarene in Missouri (1979-1985).
He spent much of his time serving and guiding his churches, also working countless hours at Camp Bond for it to be a place for children, teens, and families to come to the Lord. Camp Bond always had a special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lula Mae Noel of 70+ years, his parents Ark and Grace Noel, his brothers Chalk and Cash Noel and his sister Cara Bell Clark. Ark is survived by his son, Stephen Noel; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.