Okfuskee, OK – Obit - Hugh Coleman Nolen, 1914-1998

Contributor:    Rustie Lang     Rlang90547@aol.com     08/11/1999
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Hugh Coleman Nolen

NOLEN-- Hugh Coleman, Okemah attorney, was born in Scranton, AR on November 16, 
1914 and departed this life in Norman, OK on January 22, 1998. Coleman was the 
son of J. Hugh Nolen and Agatha (Coleman) Nolen. He came to Okemah with his 
parents as a small child and had made his home there since that time. While in 
Okemah he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Okemah Schools most of 
his school years but graduated from Classen High in Oklahoma City. In 1934 he 
entered the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1938. He then went on to 
study law at the University of Nebraska Law School. He was a member of Lambda 
Chi Alpha Social Fraternity and was a National Officer for the fraternity. He 
spent several years traveling to colleges in every state for the purpose of 
establishing new fraternity chapters. In the fall of 1942 he entered the Army to 
serve during World War II. After being selected for Officer's Candidacy School 
in Washington, D.C., he trained as a pilot in the Army Air Force. He served with 
a distinguished career in North Africa and Italy. He continued his service with 
the 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard and retired with the rank of 
Captain. He served as National Vice-Commander of the American Legion and 
Oklahoma State Commander of the American Legion. One of his most important 
contributions to the State of Oklahoma was his service as Secretary, Vice 
Chairman and Chairman of the Oklahoma War Veteran's Commission during his 23 
years on the board. In 1945 he returned to Okemah and began a long and 
successful career as an attorney. In addition to his private practice, he also 
served as County Attorney for Okfuskee County. In 1954 he was admitted to 
practice before the United States Court of Military Appeals. He was an extremely 
active civic leader in Okemah. He and Genevieve Davis were married in Okemah on 
July 7, 1950. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Genevieve Nolen of the 
home; 3 daughters, Jan Nolen, Edmond, Kim Nolen Condict and husband, Dennis 
Condict of Norman and Pat Nolen Dukes and husband, Gregg Dukes of Midland, TX; 1 
sister, Pat Curtis, Shawnee; 5 grandchildren. Funeral service was held January 
24, 1998 in St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Okemah with Jerry Smith 
officiating and Glen D. Johnson, Jr. bringing the eulogy and obituary.