Detective known for his dry wit

12/21/2005

David L. Noggle, 66, a retired Toledo police detective sergeant known for his dry wit and unflappable demeanor, died of a heart attack Monday in his Waterville home.

He retired in 1994 after about 28 years with the police department, much of which was spent as a detective. He was a sergeant in the youth services bureau and closed his career in the investigative services bureau.

"He gave everyone respect and treated them like a human being, including his subordinates [and] the younger officers as well as the suspects and the victims," said Fred Johnson, a retired detective who worked afternoons with Sergeant Noggle.

Mr. Noggle's wit was subtle, often unexpected, and did not register instantly with those lulled by his even delivery.

"Even in the very serious matters that were handled up there, he didn't seem to lose his composure," Mr. Johnson said.

By treating people decently, "you just glean more information from them," Mr. Johnson said. "He was able to solve crimes with that method, without all the [scientific] advantages the detectives have nowadays. He's the kind of command officer they need. He set a very good example."

Until about two years ago, Mr. Noggle worked security and investigations at Dillard's, Frisch's, and Raceway Park. He was long active at Christ the King Church - his wife is athletic director of the school - and provided security at parish festivals.

"He loved being a police officer, in dealing with people and in being fair to everyone," his son, David, said.

Mr. Noggle grew up in East Toledo and was a 1957 graduate of Waite High School. His father died the next year and, with older brother Dennis, he helped support the family. He worked on the assembly line at what is now the GM Powertrain division until 1966, when he joined the police force.

He received bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Toledo.

He had a boat in Lake Erie and fished for walleye and perch. He followed his grandchildren's school activities and, for spring break, 2004, he and his wife took them on a Caribbean cruise.

Surviving are his wife, Mary, whom he married April 22, 1961; daughters, Julie Walsh and Katherine McCloskey; son, David Noggle; sister, Darlene Andrews; brothers, Darrell, Daniel, and Dale Noggle, and eight grandchildren.

The body will be in the J. Jeffrey Fretti Funeral Home after 2 p.m. tomorrow, with a Scripture service at 7 p.m. in the mortuary. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Christ the King Church. The family suggests tributes to Central Catholic High School.