Don Noblitt

Dateline Jasper: H. Don Noblitt age 72 of Jasper passed away Wednesday January 27, 2010 at Lee Memorial Health Systems in Ft. Myers FL. He was born August 5, 1937 at Winnipeg Canada, to Homer and Phila (Pitman) Noblitt. He married Alice Hochgesang July 17, 1958 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper. Surviving: his wife Alice Noblitt of Jasper. 2 sons-Bob Noblitt of Huntingburg, and Andy Noblitt of Jasper. 3 daughters-Mrs David (Laura) Zundel of Canton MI., Mrs. Robert (Donna) Stenftenagel of Jasper, and Mrs. Steve (Amy) Wininger of Jasper. 11 Grandchildren Preceded in death by 1 sister- Maxine Noblitt. Visitation will be held from 1:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday February 2, 2010 at Becher & Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. Funeral service will be held at 9:30 A.M. Wednesday February 3, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Jasper. Memorial contributions may be made to: DCCF JHS Academic Banquet Endowment, Dubois County Museum or your favorite charity. DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR AWARD This award is presented annually to a retired educator who served with distinction in the Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools or in a school that is located within the present boundaries of the school corporation. H. DON NOBLITT 1955 Rockville High School Graduate Don Noblitt was born August 5, 1937, in Winnipeg, Canada. He was a 1955 graduate of Rockville High School, Rockville, Indiana. Don graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959. While at ISU, he played both varsity basketball and varsity baseball. He then attained a Master of Science degree in 1967 and an EDS in 1990 from ISU. Don married Alice Hochgesang in 1958. They have five children and 11 grandchildren. Don started his teaching career at Parker High School. He moved on to Middlebury High School before settling in to teach in Jasper. Don coached basketball, football, and baseball. As head baseball coach he lifted the team to State finals twice. Four of his teams won semi-state championships, five teams won regional championships, and five teams won sectional championships. Don was assistant principal for three years at Jasper High School and athletic director for two of those years. He moved on to become principal, which kept him busy for twenty-three years; three of those years he also served as athletic director. In this capacity, Don started girls’ sports before the state established a tourney competition. After his years as principal, Don moved on to become the Superintendent of the Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools. He remained at the helm for five years before retiring. While not in school, Don was also a member of the Dubois County Board of Health. He has also been a long-time Jasper Lions Club member as well as a president of the organization. Don has served as the radio voice of the annual Lions Club Auction for thirty-one years. Don’s jolly nature helped him play the part of Santa for GJCS schools for fourteen years. He also donned the Santa suit for the “Santa Fund” for kids in need for ten years. He also became Saint Nicholas for St Joseph’s Church, the Jasper Public Library, and the Chamber of Commerce when requested. Don has received the Charles Maas Outstanding Contribution Award from the Indiana State Athletic Directors. He was a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash. He was named a Hall of Fame member by the Indiana Baseball Coaches association. He also received an honorary diploma from Jasper High School. Don is especially proud of the relationships with and the successes of the many students that came through JHS during his tenure. Don was the founder of the Jasper High School Academic Banquet and the originator of a POSITIVE AWARDS system. Thus, his far-reaching influence is keenly noted still today.