Elmer Noles, 85, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, at Hospice House in Bradenton, Florida, surrounded by the love of family and the memories of a life well lived.

Elmer was born on April 4, 1941, in Bradenton, Florida, to Elmer and Iness Noles. A Bradenton native through and through, he spent part of his childhood living in the building where Central Cafe stands today, grew up off 43rd Street, and later moved to Palmetto. He attended Ballard Elementary, Jessie P. Miller Elementary, and Walker Junior High before graduating from Palmetto High School with the Class of 1959. During his high school years, he participated in both baseball and football.

Elmer was a man of few words, but if you knew him, you knew that when he did have something to say, it was often a perfectly timed one-liner that had everyone laughing. His quiet sense of humor was one of the many things that made him so special.

Music was always an important part of Elmer's life. During the 1950s and 1960s, he played guitar in a band called The Playboys, frequently performing on the roof of the public beach pavilion on Anna Maria Island. He especially enjoyed outlaw country music, with Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash among his favorites. He also proudly served in the Florida National Guard.

In 1962, Elmer married the love of his life, Bonnie Kauffman, after the two met on a blind date. Together, they built a life and raised their two children, Carlton and Angie, spending several years in Pennsylvania before returning to Bradenton in 1979. Throughout their years together, Elmer and Bonnie owned and operated several businesses, including Elway Optical in York, Pennsylvania, and T-Shirts Plus, with locations in DeSoto and Sarasota Square. Later in his career, Elmer worked as an optician for Eye Associates.

Outside of work, Elmer enjoyed playing guitar, bowling, and fishing. He was a faithful member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him so much happiness.

Elmer was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie, who passed away in December 2025; his parents, Elmer and Iness Noles; and his brother, Vance Noles. While losing both Elmer and Bonnie within less than a year has been incredibly difficult for their family, there is comfort in knowing that they are together again.

He is survived by his sisters, Betty (Noles) Burnett and Margaret (Noles) Pritchard; his children, Carlton Noles (Lisa) and Angie (Noles) Marcinko (Dave); his grandchildren, Nicole O'Neill (Jimmy), Lauren Jasinski (Ashton), Maddy Marcinko, Ben Noles, Hamilton Noles (Samantha), Jeff Noles, and Gianna Noles; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Savannah, Mason, and Sadie O'Neill.

Elmer leaves behind a lifetime of memories, plenty of stories, and more than a few good laughs. His love of music, his quick wit, his deep roots in this community, and the family he and Bonnie built will forever be a part of the lives he touched.

He was Elmer to many, but to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was Pappy. He will be forever loved and forever missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on December 5, 2026, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Bradenton. The family will receive guests beginning at 12:30 p.m., with the service to follow at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Donations may be made online at www.eumcbradenton.org/online-giving, or by mail:

Emmanuel United Methodist Church 5115 Cortez Road West Bradenton, Florida 34210