DOWNEY - Noll Gray Thompson, former director of the Downey Museum of Art and an actor in the Downey Children's Theater, died Nov. 13 at his home in Utah.He was born April 5, 1919 in Durham, N.C., to Alson E. and Eleanore Temple Thompson. He married Allice M. Saunders on Feb. 10, 1946, and they were married for 64 years. Noll grew up in Gary, Ind., and worked at the CCC Camp during the Depression. In 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as Chief Aerographer's mate aboard the USS Rossevelt aircraft carrier. He was honorably discharged in 1947. He graduated from USC in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in English. He taught fifth grade at Grove Avenue Elementary in Paramount for one year, and then worked for Westinghouse for more than 10 years. He also worked as a credit manager for Bedline Manufacturing and as an independent credit consultant. Noll enjoyed acting in the Downey Children's Theater and was an active leader in the Downey YMCA. He also served as director of the Downey Museum of Art. In 1989, Noll retired and he and his wife moved to Las Vegas. In 2007, the couple moved to St. George, Utah. Noll is survived by his wife, Allice Thompson; son, Wyly (Denise) Thompson; six grandchildren, Tony (Liana) Araiza, Cindy (Jason) Descouteaux, Joseph Thompson, Michael Thompson, Lyndzee Polkey and Danielle Strubel; and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and daughter, Chanda Thompson. Graveside services will be held Nov. 19 at the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George, Utah.

********** Published: November 18, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 31