Bio
Samuel “Sam” Russell Noble (1925–1992) was a prominent Oklahoma oilman, businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist. Born in Colorado Springs, Noble was the son of Lloyd Noble, the founder of Noble Affiliates and the Noble Foundation. After graduating from St. John’s Military Academy in 1943, Noble served three years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1947 and an MBA from Dartmouth College in 1949.
Noble took over leadership of the family’s enterprises, including the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, after his father’s death in 1950. Under his leadership, the foundation became a major philanthropic force, supporting agricultural research and education, with over $100 million donated to causes in more than 30 states and 15 countries. Noble was also instrumental in expanding the family’s oil and gas operations, serving as chairman of Noble Affiliates Inc. and Noble Drilling Corp.
Noble was deeply involved in civic and philanthropic activities, serving as a University of Oklahoma regent, a trustee of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and a past president of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. He was dedicated to improving the state of Oklahoma and contributed to projects like the Carter County Historical Museum and Oklahoma State University’s Noble Research Center.
Noble made numerous contributions to his community, state, and country, and his legacy continues through the work of the Noble Foundation.
