On Tuesday, January 14 2025, Eddie Wayne Nolen, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 75. He is now playing a forever round of golf on the most beautiful course with no sand traps or water hazards.
Eddie was born on June 29, 1949 in Merced, California. He spent his childhood years in Planada, California and graduated from Le Grand High with the class of ‘67. This is where he met his high school sweetheart, Betty Nolen (Reiman). Partners in life for 56 years, they had two sons, Eddie II and Scott.
Eddie was a heavy equipment operator with the Merced County Road Department for 17 years. Like most residents of Planada, he also could be found working at the local cannery driving a forklift or delivering canned goods up and down Highway 99.
Eddie enjoyed the outdoors and spent time on Lake Don Pedro and Lake McClure catching bass and trout with friends and family. Many weekends, Eddie and his family could be found at a softball tournament where he played shortstop and 3rd base with the Plainsburg Pumpers and the ITALO-American Lodge. But what Eddie loved the most was being on the golf course. At the age of 43, he returned to Merced College to play on the golf team where he earned all conference honors. During his retirement the NCGA has on record he played 312 rounds of golf in one year. Outside of the challenge of golf, he really liked the “hustle” aspect and would find himself in a game of “skins”, which he used to fund his purchase of new clubs. He was the ultimate competitor, who played with a chip on his shoulder for anyone who would underestimate him.
Over the years, Eddie always enjoyed having dogs in the home and often, there would be more than just one. Sharing similar qualities: he was fiercely loyal to his family and gave his love unconditionally. Eddie was a man of few words but instead showed his emotions through his actions. For those closest to him, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you and expected zero in return.
Times were sometimes tough, but you would never know it, as complaining wasn’t in his nature. Like a true golfer, he faced difficult situations with the attitude of “scrambling for a birdie” or making a “sandy par”. Eddie played the game and lived his life with no “mulligans” and hit the ball as it lays.
Eddie is survived by his wife, Betty, his son Eddie (Tori), his brother Dennis (Beverly), his grandchildren: Gabrielle (Kaleb), Stephanie (Sean), Connor, Madison (Maggie), Cameron (Claire), Chase, and Brody.
Eddie was predeceased by his parents Arthur “Wayne” and Mary “Nell”, his brother Keith, and his son Scott.
Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on February 1st at the Plainsburg Cemetery, 8943 Gillette Ave, Merced, California.
Please join us in remembering Eddie Wayne Nolen by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Nolen Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger.
