Jose “Joe” Elias Nobo
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Devoted husband, father, and lifelong dreamer, Joe Nobo, 72, died on November 5th 2018, in Lawrence, KS – following the recent loss of his wife, Missy, in August. As was true for his whole life, Joe’s devoted family attended to him in the final hours. He was at peace and ready to join his beloved wife for all eternity.
Joe was born Jose Elias Nobo in Havana, Cuba, on December 30, 1945 to parents Pedro Pablo Nobo y Gelats and Rosa Fina Espinosa y Alfonso. In his youth, Joe persisted against numerous obstacles and immigrated to America as a teen in 1959 – following the communist revolution in Cuba. With his mother and brother by his side, he not only survived but thrived against the odds.
In his early 20’s, Joe lived in Norman, Oklahoma and met the woman of his dreams, Melissa D. Lummus, during her sophomore year of college. Joe and Missy were married in Tulsa on December 29, 1971. They promptly moved to Ponce, Puerto Rico for three years so that Joe could pursue his career with Josten’s. Upon leaving Puerto Rico, they ventured north to Topeka, KS where they put down roots and started a family. They were blessed with three children who joined them as they made their final move to Lawrence in 1995, where Joe completed a fulfilling 45-year career as an entrepreneur.
Joe was a gifted creator and storyteller. He was most comfortable piloting new ideas and leading start-up businesses. He always had a new idea or invention waiting to take shape. He was a jack of all trades and ran multiple companies, like Ogden Check Approval, Culligan Water, and the Taco Casa restaurant in Lawrence. He spent his final working years with a close group of colleagues at Crown Toyota. He had many friends and mentees, with whom he cherished countless happy memories.
Upon his retirement from Crown in 2009, Joe traveled to Puerto Rico to visit family; spent quality time with his sweet granddaughters – who filled him with more joy than you could possibly imagine; enjoyed quiet nights at home with his wife; snuggled with his dog, Gizmo; and regaled captive audiences with endless stories.
But most of all, Joe was the embodiment of love. He had an infinite supply of it. He wanted nothing but for everyone to know how proud he was of them, how sure he was they could accomplish anything, how much he supported their choices. He was literally the person who gave the shirt off his back (or the free taco from his restaurant). He believed in the American Dream and was always thankful for being welcomed into his Kansas communities over the years. Joe was a fan of great music and he sang, conducting in the air, with reckless abandon. He communicated through song, using it to celebrate the good times and lament deep sadness.
As sad as we all are to lose Joe, we know he couldn’t bear this world without Missy. Less than three months after her death, he joins her in Heaven. There is peace in the amazing welcome committee Joe will have when he arrives – his wife, his parents, his brother – Bernie, his cousin – Estrella, and his late son, Joshua.
Those left behind will forever feel the loss. He is survived in life by his and Missy’s three children Peter Nobo, Lana Nobo-Garcia and Caroline Sarnoff; children-in-law, Torri Nobo, Mike Garcia, and Jesse Sarnoff; beloved granddaughters Ella, Addeline, Graci, Lawson, and Havana. Sister-in-law Jeanette Nobo, and many close nephews and nieces who loved him with all of their hearts. Joe’s network was massive, he has more friends than can be counted and he devoted time and love to every single one of them. To know Joe, was to be grateful for a supportive and loving friend always in your corner.
Joe’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the compassionate and extremely competent team of doctors and professionals who have cared for Joe since his diagnosis with COPD. From the pharmacists at Dillions, the ladies at Criticare, and his exceptional fleet of doctors, he was deeply thankful for your care and often bragged about how smart you were.
Friends and family are encouraged to attend a service celebrating Joe’s life on November 12th, 2018 at 3:00pm, Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Reception to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
Peter,Lana and Caroline. I am extremely sorry to hear about the loss of your dad .He was an extremely amazing man and will be truly missed. The stories and memories of him that I have will last a lifetime. RIP JOE!!!!
Peter, Lana, Caroline and all the Nobo Family:
I have many fond memories of Joe, Missy, Peter and Lana when they lived next door to us in Topeka. Caroline came around a little later. There was a vacant lot between our two houses, and we used to have parties in that lot with my stereo going full blast in the neighborhood. Always remember the summer of ’80 when we traded vehicles so we could save gas going to Canada and they could use our van to haul the whole family. They were wonderful people and will be remembered in our prayers. God bless you all and sincere condolences.
Joe was special. He could feel horribly sick and always have a smile, ask about others, and was always happy. He had a special place in our clinic. I was glad I was able to have a chance to get to know him. I’m thankful I got to hear his stories about how he came to the US and some of what he went through.
My sincere condolences to all of his family.
My heart breaks for all who knew Joe. His love an spirit were endless for everyone who had the pleasure to be in his world. I loved him dearly and have enjoyed spending the last 15 years as part of his life and his family’s life. I have no words to comfort you but know that you are all in my heart and thoughts through this difficult time and forever in the future.
Pete, Lana and Caroline, my deepest sympathies for the loss of both your mom and dad. Joe was hands down one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. I was always amazed at his love for all of his employees, and how he took care of all of us. He always had a smile on his face, a joke in his pocket, and immeasurable kindness. I only met your mother once, but enjoyed the brief time we spent visiting at their home. I hope the memories of them and their amazing life together help you through the sorrow of losing them, and that their love for you, and each other, will bring you comfort. RIP Joe and Missy.
I am saddened by the news of Joe’s death. He was a friend of my youth and an inspiration to me. I especially admired his and his mother Rosa’s tenacity in surviving the Communits atrocities they suffered. Joe never spoke to me about this and, as evidenced by his subsequent life, thrived despite the trauma and loss. My memory of Joe will always go back to our last meeting in Topeka when he took me for a ride in his Jaguar XKE; I know he must be driving that beautiful car around in heaven.
One of my favorite memories is stopping by after work one day, and your mom mentioned being hungry. Next thing I knew, we had hopped in the car and were on our way to PF Chang’s on the Plaza. Such spontaneous fun to be with your parents!!
Caroline, in these difficult moments because of the irreparable loss of your parents, accept my most sincere condolences. My name is Julio Espinosa Capestany, son of Juan Antonio (Nini), brother of your maternal grandmother and cousin of your father, resident since 2009 in Miami.
Que Dios los tenga eternamente en su gloria. Amen.
I remember Joe from years ago when he ran Taco Case in Lawrence. He was such a friendly and funny man and he always took time to sit down and visit with customers. I remember vividly him offering a homeless man a hot meal in exchange for the man doing a few easy tasks at the restaurant. The man was in tears, and Joe made sure that the man had a hearty meal. He spoke lovingly about his wife, who I met a few times as well. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He was an exceptional person.
Praying for you and your family. I was a patron of the restaurant in Lawrence. I later met Michael and Jennifer Nobo. Blessings to you during this difficult time.
Pilar Diaz:
Our deepest condolenses for you , your brother and sister
Que Jehova dios les de mucho consuelo les deseamos toda su familia en Puerto Rico
Our deepest condolences. Joe was one of the kindest men that our family has met. My daughter just adored him. Even though she is 21 now she still shares the memory of when she had her sixth birthday party at Taco Casa. It was on a Sunday and Joe came in on his day off to give her book for a present. She still has the book and I am sure will love to share it when she has children in the future. Peace be with you all.
Joe left an incredible legacy for us to follow. As I voted in midterm elections I reaffirmed his belief in the Amercan dream and his fight against tyranny. He gave me an appreciation for living life and reaching for the stars. All the while holding family dear to him. He will be missed but through his family his legacy shall continue. My sincerest condolences during this time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you always
What a wonderful man Joe was. i enjoyed the times I got to talk with him and share his stories.
Peter, Lana & Caroline – your father was an incredible man who left a huge mark on the lives of everyone he met. You knew you were loved while in his presence – it could be felt all around you. I know you will carry his legacy well. Hugs and much love to all of you.
Lana, so sorry to hear of your dads passing. I remember Taco Casa well. You your dad heck the whole fricking family! Running around making lunch for everyone. Mom was able to have lunch there as well since it was so wheelchair friendly. As hard as it may seem now, you will smile with fewer tears when you think of your mom and dad as time goes by. After all your dad was all about making others smile. My thoughts and prayers to you and yours.
I met Joe many years ago and he inspired me with his entrepreneurial spirit and “can do” attitude. Always upbeat and positive, he embodied the American Dream. Years later when I ran into him at the grocery store or elsewhere … he was still the same positive influence. What a life well-lived! An example to us all. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Justice evening we learned of Joe’s death thanks to our son at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. We are deeply sad and know that as a family you are also. We send our thoughts and best wishes to you
Joe was truley a living person. I enjoyed times spent with him when he had Culligan water in Topeka. I remember how he loved his 280 z car. Rest in peace Joe. ???? love you.
Joe was truley a loving person. I enjoyed times spent with him when he had Culligan water in Topeka. I remember how he loved his 280 z car. Rest in peace Joe. ???? love you.
My name is Harold Skousen, son of W. Cleon Skousen (1913-2006). We are currently scanning all of my father’s journals. In his September 1981 journal is mention of Joe Nobo coming to our Century Club Banquet for the Freemen Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joe was the main speaker. I remember to this day as Joe entered (late!) to the banquet program and after he got to the microphone he stopped and said, “Look at that beautiful woman sitting down there. Isn’t she marvelous. That is my wife, Missy! Boy, am I lucky!” I was the video guy in those days and recorded Joe’s speech. IF I ever find it and IF someone in his family ever contacts me, I’d be happy to share that video and/or audio with you. He told all about his life in Cuba and how he survived and flourished here in America–which he loved! Let me know. Our condolences to his passing and also his wife. So glad they are together again!
This comes late obviously. I apologize for that. The Nobo family will not know me. I heard Joe speak at my school of the horrors of communism in Cuba. I am trying to recall the year as I type this. I want to say 1969 maybe 1968. I attended Bethany schools in Oklahoma at the time. His speech had a very big impact upon myself and my classmates
Thank you sir for coming to my school… and your family should know how much you influenced some very young ppl for the good. I was talking to my daughter about communism and gun control and Mr. Nobo’s speech came to mind form very long ago.