Mark Nolen

Mark Joel Nolen was a true patriot who served his nation for 26 years in the United States Air Force. He was born on September 23, 1949, in Monroe, Louisiana and passed away on October 27, 2024, at the Alaska Veterans and Pioneer Home in Palmer, Alaska.

His family described Mark's life as ambitious, adventurous, and dedicated to the service of his country. An inquisitive mind and unyielding spirit propelled him to the rank of LT COL during his distinguished 26-year career in the United States Air Force.

Mark graduated from Neville High School in Monroes, LA and received a BS in electrical engineering from Louisiana Tech in 1973, and a commission as a 2nd LT in the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he received a master's in engineering from Ohio State University.

Mark's career was focused on the development of the Air Force's Space-Missile Defense Systems, and he was appointed by President Ronald Regan to work on the Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars Defense), a missile defense system intended to protect the United States from attack by ballistic nuclear missiles. The program was announced in 1983, by President Ronald Reagan who called for a system that would render nuclear weapons obsolete, and to end the doctrine of mutual assured destruction. Although the system was never deployed, elements of the program reemerged in 2019 under the Space Development Agency.

He received the highest levels of recognition in his Space-Missile Defense including the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three devices, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Meal with one device, the Air Force Training Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Ribbon.

A second career followed his retirement the Air Force in 1999, at Ohio State University, Teaching Engineering, followed by a return to his beloved Montana with more adventures in the Big Sky Country.

Mark is survived by his brother Timothy Nolen, stepmother Gay Nolen, sister-in-law Carla Nolen, and stepsister Kimberly Jordan. He was preceded in death by his father William Nolen and mother Dorothy Addison; nieces and nephews, Casise Jordan, Michael Nolen, Nathan Nolen, Sallry Nolen, and Luka Wallace.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10:30 pm CDT at Lane Cemetery, located at 22435 SR 7 N, Dover, Arkansas, 72837, and under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service in Russellville, AR.

As we remember Mark, we celebrate his life and honor his service. We encourage all who knew him to share their memories and upload photos to the memorial page. His story is not only told through his achievements but also through the personal experiences shared by those who had the honor of knowing him.