Another local musician has passed

generationgap · Post by **generationgap** » Monday Jul 19, 2010

Leon "Butch" Francis Noel

MOXHAM — NOEL – Leon “Butch” Francis, 55, Moxham, formerly of Ebensburg, died July 18, 2010, in Johnstown. Born Feb. 8, 1955, in Altoona, son of George and Thelma (Eckenrode) Noel. Survived by parents; and brothers and sisters, Joe (Leslie), Ebensburg; George (Deb), Jackson Township; Lisa (Rob), Tampa, Fla.; Mark (Brenda), Ebensburg; Susan (Mike), New Cumberland, Pa.; Sandra (Dave), North Canton, Ohio; and James (Jaime), Cambria Township; also numerous nieces and nephews. He was employed by Richland Cinemas. Leon was a well-known drummer for many years and was an avid reader. He will be sadly missed by his former bandmates, family and friends. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Matevish and Matevish Funeral Home, Ebensburg, where vigil wake service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg, Monsignor Arnold L. Gaus. Committal, Holy Name Cemetery, Ebensburg.

I knew Leon for many years
I can still remember one of Leons bands played our 8th grade dance
they kicked ass
I followed Leon threw ICE to Bitter Root I lost track of him shortly after that
He was sooo damn good He was Neil Pearts clone he loved RUSH
His brothers Mark and Jimmy also played drums
Damn he will be sadly missed
Rest in peace Leon

moxham123 · Post by **moxham123** » Tuesday Jul 20, 2010

I am extremely saddened by this news of Leon's passing. Another great musician gone way too soon. I just ran into him a few weeks ago and spoke briefly at the Dollar Tree in Richland near where he worked at the Richland Cinemas as a projectionist. We were talking about his drums. Leon and I played together in Mojo back in 1976 for a few months and he filled in on drums with The Alternative for a few months back in 1988 when our drummer had surgery. Leon was a fantastic drummer and a really super nice guy. We remained friends since we first met and he would come and see The Conniptions play if he was around where we were and he and I always would have a great conversation. I always found it cool that his first name and last name were the same in reverse - Leon Noel.

R.I.P. Leon

Dangerous Denny · Post by **Dangerous Denny** » Tuesday Jul 20, 2010

I remember seeing Leon play with Ice at a couple of venues. One hell of a drummer! He will be missed.

RamRod 1 · Post by **RamRod 1** » Tuesday Jul 20, 2010

I first saw Leon playing with Perry Shesley in a 3 piece in 1975. Great drummer.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Wednesday Jul 21, 2010

I always thought Ice was one of the best coverbands I've heard in my band-watching life. They covered Rush remarkably well, and were very professional. My condolences to his family.--->JMS

Drum-Wolf · Post by **Drum-Wolf** » Thursday Jul 22, 2010

This is a profound loss for the local music community. I never knew Leon personally or even met him but to me he is a drumming legend.

I remember seeing him play with the band "Ice" at the Fantasy II bar in Richland around the 1980-81 time period. I didn't know that it was him until many years later. I was only fifteen years old & was very impressed.

Also, I seen Leon play with "Bitter Route" at Rocky's Tavern in Johnstown around 1994-95.

Leon always used to hang out at Ohio Street Lounge on Tuesday night for Jam Night but he never got up to play as far as I know.

In the early 2000's, I know that Leon filled in with Frankie & The Nomads some.

Leon will never be forgotten.

Jared Michaels · Post by **Jared Michaels** » Saturday Jul 24, 2010

Leon was a great drummer and an all around great guy.

R.I.P my friend.