Noel Burtis Bascom, 67, returned to his heavenly home on November 20, 2015, after a 25 year battle with Parkinson's diseases. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Noel was born to the late Ulys and Haseltine Bascom in Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, on September 24, 1948. He was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support from an early age. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1970 with a degree in history. He retired from the Bureau of Prisons after a 25 year career there.
Noel met the love of his life, Cheryl, at SIU and just a few months later, on July, 10, 1970, they married. Soon thereafter, he was selected for the draft into the army for the Vietnam war.
Noel was blessed with a loving family and  helped raise his children with patience, discipline and humility. He taught them to read, write and appreciate a job well done. He was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator and commander.
Noel is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his daughters Lisa Michelle Scherrer and Nicki Donnelson; his grandchildren Garrett and Elizabeth Scherrer, and Isaac and Eli Donnelson; his brothers, Billy, Weldon and Barry; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Noel's visitation is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Monday, November 23 at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home. His service will begin there at 10 a.m. onTuesday,  November 24 with a burial to follow at 11 a.m. at Missouri Veteran's Cemetery with the Reverend Hosea Bilyeu officiating.