Noyes, Dr. Richard F.

Dr. Richard F. Noyes, 59, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2012.

He was born May 8, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Mary Claire and Robert Francis Noyes. He graduated from Fort Dodge High School and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry.

Richard was one of the leading optometric practitioners in the United States, receiving state, regional and national recognition as an expert and lecturer in ocular disease, practice management, advanced diagnostic technique and ocular pharmacology. He started his own practice, Iowa EyeCare in April 1979. It became one of the largest optometric practices in Iowa and one of the largest in the country.

He served in every position on the Iowa Optometric Association Board of Trustees, including president from 1990 to 1991. He was selected as the Iowa Optometrist of the Year in 1993 and was chosen as the Iowa Outstanding Young Optometrist in 1985. He served two terms on the Iowa Board of Optometry Examiners, including vice chair for several years and was extremely active in the Iowa Optometric Association and American Optometric Association, serving on numerous committees. Richard was also the state director of Iowa Vision Source.

Richard was a man of compassion who led 13 medical missions to Haiti, delivering free medical care to over 100,000 people. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and five children boating, grilling, traveling and attending their many school, sporting and church activities.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Martha; as well as their children, Jennifer (Jeff) Rowdon of Minneapolis, Bethany (Matt) Henning of Robins, and Marcus, Erica and Grant, at home.

Rich is also survived by his two grandchildren, Natalie Rowdon and Katrina Henning; a brother, Henry (Pip) Noyes of Stone City; a sister, Liz Noyes of Coralville; and many other family members and friends.

One only had to meet Rich once to know that he was a compassionate and selfless man whose strength and faith was the cornerstone of how he chose to lead his life. Friends, family and patients alike would tell you that he had the rare ability to let a person know how very important, valued and cherished they were to him.

As a father, Rich blessed his children first and foremost with the gift of faith. He gave them strength and empowered them in all they chose to do. Having not grown up with his own father at his side, Rich made extraordinary effort to coach his children's teams and to be at all of their events. He was joyous and proud in their accomplishments and ever present and a source of strength as they faced their challenges. Jennifer, Bethany, Marcus, Erica and Grant know that “Dad will be waiting on the left side of Heaven's gates” for them.

All who knew Rich will tell you that nothing was more important in his life than his faith in Jesus Christ. He was ready to go. We are not ready for him to leave.

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at Christ Community Church, 3000 Alburnett Rd., Marion, IA 52302. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 8300 C Ave., Marion, IA, 52302, by the Rev. Chad Jennings and the Rev. Ron Bupp. Immediately after the funeral service, a reception lunch will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Private Family Graveside Service: 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at Hazel Knoll Cemetery, rural Viola, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: Christ Community Church, 3000 Alburnett Rd., Marion, IA 52302 in honor of Richard.

Please sign the online guest book for Rich at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette April 3, 2012.