Contemporary Makers

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Rifle by Earl Williams

Photography by Jan Riser.

What's in the Bag Series: Art Riser

Jack Hubbard Hunting Pouch

Antique Powder Horn and Priming Horn

Pipe by Jack Haugh

Antique Bullet Mold

Starker and Box by Charles Miller

Antique Bullet Bag

Antique Sharpening Stone

Photography by Jan Riser.

Jerome "Jerry" Noble

Mar 17, 1932 — Jul 20, 2026

Jerome “Jerry” Noble, 94 of Aledo, died Monday, July 20th at his home. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 30th at 4:00 PM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Visitation will be one hour prior to services, beginning at 3:00 PM. Military Honors will be presented by the Aledo American Legion at the beginning of the services. Fellowship will follow the services at the Mercer County VFW. Private burial will be in Edgington Cemetery, Edgington, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County VFW.

Jerry was born on March 17, 1932, in Rock Island, Illinois. His parents were Roy & Belle (Edgar) Noble. Jerry was a graduate of the Joy High School. He served his country in the United States Army. He was previously married to Pauline Castle and Gail Crawford Dixon.

Jerry was a talented bulldozer operator, beginning in the military. He turned it into his career, owning his own excavating business. In his spare time, he could be found working on muzzle loading rifles, writing books about them or going to conventions for them. He especially enjoyed dressing in period clothing and competing in the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association shoots at Friendship, Indiana. He was the founding president of the Mississippi Valley Gun Collectors. He also had a passion for Blue Grass Music. Wherever he went he could find someone to pick with. Jerry played multiple instruments, including the guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica and even enjoyed singing.

Jerry is survived by his children and spouses: Kathy & Rodger Whitehall, Kris & Dave Salmon, Kay Sell and David Noble; son-in-law, Curt Franks; his long-time companion, Mary Price and her family; stepdaughter Julie McNall (Tim) and stepson Randy Dixon (Juanita); half-brothers Jack Gilmore and Paul Gilmore; half-sister Wynne Gilmore; 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; daughter, Karole Franks; son-in-law, Danny Sell; sisters, Vella Gowdy and Vivian Huston, stepdaughter Stacey Mitchell, and half-brothers Glen Gilmore and Jim John.

Eternal rest grant unto Jerry O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.