IN MEMORIAM
Marshal
Mark Seworth Noe
Republic Police Department
EOW: Sunday, Jun 2, 1929
Age: 40
DOB: Apr 18, 1881
Tour: 1 year
Badge:
Cause: Gunfire
Memorial Location
Panel:
7
Row:
3
Column:
4

Marshal Mark Noe was shot and killed during a traffic stop.

On June 2, 1929 at shortly after 11:00 pm, Town Marshal Noe stopped two subjects in a traffic stop in front of Ryan's Cafe on Main Street after they had repeatedly driven up and down the business district. Marshal Noe took a .25 caliber pistol and a pint of whiskey from passenger Oval Laffallette (20). He then climbed into the car and reached for a revover lying in the driver, Harry Young's, lap. They became involved in a scuffle over the revolver and the weapon discharged. Laffallette reported that they then drove for a distance before stopping near Dr. Beal's residence in Republic where there was a second struggle over the revolver. Laffallette stated that the weapon discharged again and Laffallette fled from the vehicle. Marshal Noe's body was discovered the next morning in a roadside ditch, 1 1/2 miles south of Brookline. He had been shot in the head and his two firearms had been taken. The suspect made his escape in a grey model-T coupe.

Harry Young was developed as a suspect in the murder of Marshal Noe. During an incarceration shortly before the murder Young had declared he would not be brought to jail again. Oval Lafallette (20) was with Harry Young at the time of the murder but fled the scene during the altercation. The County attorney held him in custody as a witness, temporarily charging him with carrying a concealed weapon. Harry Young and his brothers were already wanted for their involvement in an auto theft ring. Lafallette was arrested at his brother-in-laws residence west of Republic by a constable. A massive manhunt began for the Young brothers but they fled the region.

The Young brothers, who had a prior reputation as local petty thieves and burglars had been thought by law enforcement officers to be non-violent. By 1932, the brothers would become responsible for the deaths of six more law enforcement officers in the most deadly killing spree known to Missouri law enforcement that became known as the 'Young Brothers Massacre.' It was the among the bloodiest gun battles in U.S. law enforcement history.

Marshal Noe had been born and raised in Republic. Marshal Noe had been elected Republic's city marshal one year prior to his death. He had previously operated a hardware store in town. He was survived by his wife Burnice. Interned: Evergreen Cemetery.


Article by Brent Marchant

Related Officer Duty Deaths:
Young Brothers Massacre memorial page
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Springfield Police Department
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Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial