He is a resident of Joplin, Missouri, married to the former Joncee Edwards with one son, Justin and one granddaughter Rachel.

In 2007 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Education degree from Missouri Western State University.

Nodler built and operated the cable television system in Seneca, Missouri.

He served on Governor Bob Holden's Commission on the Future of Higher Education.

He also authored Senate Bill 389 which included the Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative, providing capital improvements to Missouri higher education institutions, including $20 million to Missouri Southern State University for the school's new Health Sciences Building.