Noel Barney Cummings

Funeral Services Honoring the Life of Noel Barney Cummings, 98, will be 1pm on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Alan Parker officiating. Visitation will be held from 11am until service time at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Hopewell Methodist Church Cemetery.

Noel Barney Cummings, born October 19, 1927, to Arthur F. (Frank) Cummings and Lucy Della (née Hartley) Cummings in Burnsville, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at his residence at Stoneridge of Farmington at the age of 98.

Born and raised in Mississippi, Noel carried with him throughout his life a strong work ethic, a sense of duty, and a deep commitment to family and community. He will be remembered for his steady leadership, practical wisdom, and willingness to serve others.

Noel proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He entered service in December 1945 and served with the 12th Constabulary Squadron in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. During his service, he worked as a jeep driver and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 23, 1947.

Following his military service, Noel attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College. As part of the post-World War II great northern migration, Noel and his family moved to Chicago to find work. He was eventually employed with International Harvester in Melrose Park, IL where he began his career as a welder. Noel retired from International Harvester after also serving in supervisory and management roles.

Noel devoted much of his life to public service, most notably as Village Trustee, and ultimately as Mayor of the Village of Hodgkins, Illinois. First elected in 1979, he served for more than four decades, becoming the longest-serving mayor in the village’s history. Through his leadership tenure, Hodgkins experienced significant economic growth and development, and he provided steady guidance through years of change. His long tenure reflected a deep commitment to the community and its people, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on the village he faithfully served.

Noel was preceded in death by Nelda (née Benick), his beloved wife of 62 years, and by his siblings Christopher Columbus (Lum), Ruby Jewel Curtis, Francis Grace Ellenburg, Lara Vee McMeans, John Daniel, Arthur Frank Jr., and Billy Joel (died in infancy).

Noel is survived by his children, Daniel Noel and his wife Jean (née Przykucki), Brenda Sherlyn Klotz and her husband Daniel; his grandchildren, Joseph Daniel Klotz and his wife Holly (née Grant), Brandon John Cummings and his wife Andrea (née Koenig), and Richard Noel Cummings; his honorary grandchildren, Jacqueline Armbrister (née Morrell), and Jeff and Michael Strickland, as well as numerous other great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends

Online condolences may be left at www.memorialcorinth.com

Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.