Vernon R Noggle

Vernon Ronald Noggle, 83, of Westerville, Ohio passed away on Mon., Oct. 28, 2024 at Smith’s Mill Health Campus in New Albany. He was born on Feb. 20, 1941 in Bucyrus (OH) to Andrew Leroy Noggle and Ethel Erma Kent (Mayer) Noggle. Vern attended Mt Zion Schools (now part of the Wynford School District) in Crawford Co., OH, graduating in 1959. While there, he excelled in both baseball and basketball earning All-Ohio honors in both. He was inducted to the Wynford High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

Vern was a star left-handed pitcher both in school and in American Legion ball, throwing several no-hitters. He was signed out of high school to a professional baseball contract by the Philadelphia Phillies and pitched for two years for their minor league teams in Johnson City, Tenn. and Elmira, NY. After his baseball career, he taught himself how to pitch fast-pitch softball and continued to play for the next 20 years for a number of traveling teams from Bucyrus, Upper Sandusky, Sycamore, Tiffin and Marion. Vern pitched for Marion’s Sims Brothers when they won the State Softball Tournament Championship in 1974.

In 1965, Vern received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from The Ohio State University and was most proud of teaching history in the classroom at Colonel Crawford High School for 12 years. He also served as the head boys basketball coach there for a number years. In 1976 he received a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State University and became the Asst. Superintendent for Crawford Co. Schools. From 1983 - 1996 he was Superintendent of the Canal Winchester School District where he also served as the PA “Voice of the Indians” for high school basketball games. After retiring from that position, Vern worked in the College of Education for Ashland University’s Columbus campus from 1998 - 2010 overseeing their student teacher placement program. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University.

After 44 years in education, Vern retired in 2010, traveling out West and later wintering in Venice, Florida. He loved history and read extensively, especially about the American West and particularly books by Louis L’Amour. Vern collected western memorabilia and enjoyed horses, golf, and woodworking. Vern was a lifelong Cleveland sports fan, especially his beloved Indians baseball team.

He is survived by his loving companion of 15 years Joy Zimpfer, Westerville, OH; son Michael C. Noggle, Mt. Cory, OH; daughters Rebecca L. Noggle, Deltona, Fla. and Allyssa B. (Johnny) Hixenbaugh, Ashville, OH; granddaughters Ashley K. (Jared) Smith, Findlay, OH, Kelsey L. (Richard) Crosby, Centerville, OH and Emily M. (J W) Heape, South Euclid, OH; great-grandchildren Richie D. Crosby, Kaylin M. Crosby, Natalie R. Crosby and Charlotte M. Heape; and his brother George S. Noggle, Bucyrus, OH. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers Andrew L. Noggle, Jr. and Robert Noggle.

Visitation is set for 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Thurs., Oct. 31 at the Schoedinger Funeral Home in Gahanna, OH where the funeral service will take place on Fri., Nov. 1 at 10:00 am, Pastor Bob Clinger presiding. Interment will follow at 12:30 pm at the Martin Luther Lutheran Church on Knauss Road, Bucyrus, Ohio. Memorial donations can be made in Vern's honor to the Parkinson's Foundation- www.parkinsons.org.

For Vernon’s obituary and to leave messages of condolences to the family, go to www.schoedinger.com