Mark Twain Noe

Mark Twain Noe, 73, of Harrisonville, PA passed away Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 at his residence. Mark was born in Yellville, Arkansas on January 4, 1939, the son of the late Mark Twain Noe, Sr. and Lena (James) Noe. Mark Twain Noe learned early in his childhood of the endless wonders of nature.  These natural wonders surrounded his place of birth and became an inspiration for many of his later works.  Born near the scenic Buffalo River in Arkansas, he was tutored by his grandfather who shared his love and respect for the woodlands and wildlife they nurtured.  These cherished moments remain and are constantly reflected in the artistry of many of his works. Upon completion of his service in the U.S. Army, Mark studied at the National Academy of Art in Washington, D.C.  After a successful career as an industrial and advertising artist, Mark decided to return to those fond memories of childhood.  In 1980, Mark opened "The Studio In The Pines", in the majestic Tuscarora Mountains of Fulton County, in the heart of Central Pennsylvania.  Living in his rustic cabin, he was surrounded by the wildlife, streams, open fields and woodlands that inspired him since his youth. Mark has won numerous awards and has received recognition in both regional and national shows.  The painting, The Ancient Ones, was chosen as one of the hundred winning paintings selected for the National Arts for the Parks contest.  During its tour of the country, the painting was on display at the Smithsonian Institute.  Mark participated in the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston, SC.  He was also one of the fifty winners in the National Forest Stamp contest for 1991 and was the New York State Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year for 1991-1992 with Cherished Moment.  His second swan painting, Proud Parents, won Mark the 1995 Atlantic Flyway Ducks Unlimited Artist of the year.  A Quiet Place, his third and most recent swan print was on the Ducks Unlimited National Program for both the United States and Canada. Mark's versatility has also won him numerous awards with the National Wildlife Turkey Federation.  The NWTF has published an original Mark Twain Noe every year since 1989.  He received recognition as their Artist of the Year with his painting Nature's Gold.  In 1997, the NWTF and the United States Department of Agriculture's Forest Service introduced their program "Making Tracks", a program for wild turkey management in National Forests, by using Mark's painting Sultan's Glade on their posters.  One of Mark's recent prints, Struttin Time, was used on more promotional items than any other in NWTF history. In addition to painting for conservation organizations, Mark also painted commissioned originals and self-published prints.  His original paintings and prints are in private and corporate collections throughout the United States and Canada.  Most recently, Mark was contracted by the First National Bank of Greencastle to complete a series of historical paintings of their town.  The paintings are on display as a tribute to the town's founding fathers. One of the central characteristics of Mark's work is accuracy and attention to detail.  The versatility of his subjects truly makes him an Artist for All Seasons and All Places. As Mark says, "Being and Artist is much more than creating a painting.  I think perhaps the real reason for becoming totally committed to this profession is the joy given and received in sharing the memories, feelings and experiences of life with others." Mr. Noe, a painter/artist, was a member of the Sideling Hill Christian Church, Needmore, PA, the Mt. Zion Lodge #774, McConnellsburg, PA, the Mount Pisgah Lodge #0443, Greencastle, PA, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the American Legion Post #561, McConnellsburg, PA and the VFW Post #655, McConnellsburg, PA. He is survived by Daughter LeAnna M. King of Fairfax, VA, Nephews Dan Dodgen of Monrovia, MD, Ben Dodgen of Woodbine, MD and Companion Carol Buterbaugh of Harrisonville, PA.  Preceded in death by sister Jo Lane Dodgen. Religious Service at Sideling Hill Christian Church, 10424 Sipes Mill Road, Needmore, PA 17238 at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 with Pastor William Swope and Pastor William Bair officiating. Interment at Sideling Hill Christian Cemetery, Needmore, PA. There will be visitation on Monday, February 6, 2012 from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 P.M. at Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home, Inc, 873 Lincoln Way East, McConnellsburg, PA 17233.  There will also be visitation one hour before the service on Tuesday at the church. A Masonic service will be held on Monday at 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home.  Military services will be conducted by the Fulton Honor Guard. Online condolences may be expressed at www.howardlsipes.com