Roy Nolen

Roy Wayne Nolen, age 84, of West Frankfort, passed away peacefully on June 6th, 2025, at 8:54 p.m. at Herrin Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Roy was born in 1940 to Roy and Pearl Nolen and was a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois. A graduate of West Frankfort High School, Class of 1958, he lived on the same corner for 64 years—a place that became the heart of many cherished family memories.

In his younger years, Roy worked alongside his father in the family trucking business. He later served proudly as a volunteer firefighter, a role he looked back on with great pride. His professional journey continued with positions at Phillips 66 and Texaco, and he eventually retired as a respected repair boss for Freeman Coal Company.

Roy is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Zina Lee (Reach) Nolen, and their children: Douglas (Susan) Nolen of Benton, Liza Nolen of West Frankfort, and Bill Nolen, also of West Frankfort.

He was a proud and loving grandfather to: Grant (Julie) Nolen, Gavin (Madaline) Nolen, Emily (Nick) Culbreth, Allyson (Ethan) Kerley, Kelsey (Jared) Anthis, Mackenzie Nolen (fiancé Dylan Randolph), and Samantha Nolen.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Hazel Nolen, Calvin Culbreth, Ossie Nolen, Archer Culbreth, Noah Kerley, Ben Kerley, Jack Nolen, Cooper Randolph, and Millie Nolen.

Roy is also survived by his brothers Don (Lora) Nolen and Tom (Carla) Nolen, and by his special brother-in-law John (Holly) Reach, who considered Roy a father figure after losing his own father at the age of two. Roy was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews who held him in high regard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Pearl Nolen; his sister, Elaine Frazier; sisters-in-law, Jo Ann Nolen and Nancy Overturf; and brother-in-law, John Thomas.

A man of faith, Roy was saved as a young man and was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church. He cherished the fellowship of meeting special friends for breakfast and was known far and wide as a great storyteller. His love for his family was evident in every part of his life—he was a devoted husband, a supportive father, a proud grandfather, and a doting great-grandfather.

Roy Wayne Nolen lived a life marked by kindness, hard work, and deep love for his family. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort with John Odle officiating. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Neal Cemetery East of West Frankfort.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Neal Cemetery Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.