United States of America
Headstone of Charles Frank Noble

Charles Frank Noble

Died February 5, 1972

Charles Frank Noble.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Trooper Charles Noble was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for speeding near Zillah, Washington. Unbeknownst to Trooper Noble, the driver was out of prison on a furlough and had just committed an armed robbery. As Trooper Noble returned to his patrol car, the suspect opened fire with a .357 caliber handgun, striking Trooper Noble in the elbow and knocking him down. The suspect then shot Trooper Noble in the head execution-style. The suspect fled but was turned in by the vehicle's passenger the following morning. The suspect, 25, serving a sentence for a 1970 car theft, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life on March 3, 1973. On November 8, 1980, he escaped from Walla Walla Prison but was quickly recaptured. He was charged with escape. He was to be released in 2031. Trooper Noble was a United States Navy Korean War veteran who served with the Washington State Patrol for 14 years.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
Media
Charles Frank Noble
Charles Frank Noble 0 views
Service Record
Also Served
Washington State Patrol
Trooper
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 36-E · Line 5 cut as CHARLES FRANK NOBLE
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Trooper Noble gave the Washington State Patrol 14 years.

Thank you for your service to the people of Washington, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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