Oren Ray Noss

Oren R. Noss

May 31, 1933 – December 24, 2025

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”

Oren R. Noss, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus entered Heaven on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, just as the sun was greeting the morning. Born on May 31, 1933, a graduate of Mechanicsburg High School in 1951, proud veteran of the United States Army having served in Japan just prior to the end of the Korean War, he married his high-school sweetheart, Gloria Logan Noss, on December 24, 1953. Today he was reunited with her in Heaven on their 72nd wedding anniversary. He was the oldest son of William R. and Ethel M. Noss, who pre-deceased him. Also greeting him in Heaven was a much-loved, younger brother, Jay Noss, and his son-in-love, John Vogelsong. They were just saving his place.

Oren often was known to count his many blessings which included his sister, Helen Waggoner, and brothers, Larry Noss (Jan) and Ray, Jr. (Eileen). He is also survived by his late brother Jay’s wife, Nancy Noss. Oren was a devoted family man, and his children, Paula Vogelsong Adams (Ted), David Noss (Jody), and Patricia Noss all knew his love was limitless. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren: Kimberly Ginter (Jeffrey), Allison Kennedy (Michael), Elizabeth Vogelsong (Brighid Marquess), Emily Fisher (Ralph, III), Stephanie Ebersole (Kyle), Megan Foose, Heather Kierstead (Jesse), and Brandon Newton (Rachel) and 19 great-grandchildren. He was “Dad” as well to Tom Bowman and Barbie, Todd and Joshua Feger. Also included are a host of nieces and nephews and cousins who knew love and hugs were always available. Oren opened his heart and his arms to all who needed him. Dad often joked, “my quiver is full!” from Psalm 127:3-5. Children are a heritage from the LORD…Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

The oldest of five children, he was looked on as the wise one, the counselor, the supporter, and in some cases the partner in crime. His sister and brothers shared so much. Over these last years, family reunions and other get-togethers became more precious. He looked forward to time spent with his brothers at baseball games; and with many friends as well, at Wertzville Council Meetings (also known as coffee, pie and kvetching around his sister, Helen’s table).

Oren’s life was one of service to our Lord in many ways—teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and with his beloved Men’s Group from Mechanicsburg Church of God, serving on Church Council, herding kids in Vacation Bible School and ministering in many ways in the American Southwest, at the missions in New Mexico.

Oren’s hands were calloused, but never rough. He could swing a hammer and wield a paintbrush; and then use those working man’s hands to soothe the tears of a crying child. He loved life. He cheered and commiserated with his Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. He would beat you at Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune; and he was quick with a joke, often stating, “Get a ladder, the high ones are going over their heads!”

As much as Oren was a fount of information and knowledge of trivia; his study of the Bible was so much more. Oren was a student at Harrisburg School of the Bible. He was often consulted by others who wanted to “pick his brain” and dig deeper in the Word. This was so evident these last 10 months when he was living at Cumberland Crossing, in Carlisle. His roommates, staff, Hospice workers and other guests and visitors often came just to listen and learn from him. He was always humble; and so very grateful to have time to listen.

We, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren know we were loved unconditionally. Oren did his best to never miss the activities of the family. He was the cheerleader for swim meets, softball and baseball games, band concerts and piano recitals. He treasured the moments when he was with his family at the beach and on family trips to Williamsburg, Virginia. And he could be found tending the fire during butchering at his son’s farm.

Oren would want others to know the true meaning of Christmas this year. Jesus, precious Son of God, came to Earth to live, minister, teach and then redeem us all. He would want us to celebrate and be joyful! Oren is celebrating his first Christmas in Heaven with Jesus this year!

We must also recognize and share our gratitude to the nurses and other staff at Cumberland Crossing, as well as the nurses and nursing assistants from Hospice of Central Pennsylvania. There are so many people who touched Oren’s life. We pray they know how loved they were by a very grateful family.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to his church, Bowmansdale Church of God, 101 East Lisburn Road, Bowmansdale, PA 17055 or Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Better yet, at Christmas, adopt a family and share Jesus with them!

Oren’s life will be celebrated at Bowmansdale Church of God, 101 East Lisburn Road, Bowmansdale, PA 17055, on Monday, January 5, 2026. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, with the worship service beginning at 11:45 am. Full military honors will be observed at the church. A luncheon will follow immediately following the service. Internment will be at Rolling Green Memorial Cemetery. Buhrig Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg, PA is handling the details of the service.