Robert. L. ‘Coach’ Noblitt 1942 - 2025

SUNNYVALE, Texas — Robert L. ‘Coach’ Noblitt was born Aug. 29, 1942 in Great Bend, Kan. He passed away on March 20, 2025.

He attended High School in Great Bend, where he earned the nickname “Chunk” which followed him throughout his life. This is also where he met his future bride, Janet Herl.

After high school he attended Kansas State University for two years. He and Janet married on May 29, 1962. Later he received his Bachelor Degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.

While attending Washburn University, they welcomed their son, Alan and 18 months later, another son, Mark.

Bob taught High School in Claflin, Kan. He then received his Masters Degree from Southern Illinois University.

During Coach’s career, he taught and coached at Yankton College in South Dakota, where he coached wrestling and football for two years; Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.; University of Texas at Arlington; United States Air Force Academy (10 years).

After many years of coaching and teaching, he and Janet retired to Cedar Creek Lake in Texas for 20 years before moving to Fate.

He loved every minute of coaching and loved his players and his boys.

Coach is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Janet; sons, Alan and wife Tonya, and Mark; grandchildren, A.J. Noblitt and Sarah Carroll and husband Jared.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made in memory of Bob to the Washburn University’s Noblitt Football Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made at the website below (type in Noblitt Football Scholarship Fund) or by mailing to the

fund at 1729 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.  https://www.wualumni.org/g/givenow

Arrangements are under the

direction of New Hope Funeral Home, Sunnyvale, Texas. newhopefh.com.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 17, 2025