Mr. Lawrence "Buddy" J Noel III

Lawrence J. “Buddy” Noel III, a farmer, was born on the bayou in Plattenville, La. on November 22, 1928 and lived his entire life in the Donaldsonville, La., area. He died on November 21, 2022, hours before his 94th birthday. His parents, Grace Richard Noel and Lawrence J. Noel, Jr. as well as his paternal grandparents were farmers before him, first in rice and later in sugarcane.

While farming was his obsession, Buddy’s business interests were varied and his service to his community ranged from participation on the local school board for 16 years to presiding over port activities in Baton Rouge.

He was active in the banking community, having been elected to the Board of Directors of State Bank & Trust in Donaldsonville in 1970. He later became president of the bank which was acquired in 1994 by Hibernia and eventually became Capital One.

He served on the Ascension Parish School Board from 1957 to 1973. Through his work with educators in Ascension Parish, he counted among his many mentors such associates as Percy LeBlanc, MD, B.C. Alwes and Floyd Boutte.

In the 60s, he was elected to the State Board of Directors of the Louisiana State Farm Bureau and spent much time developing plans for and overseeing construction of a state office building in Baton Rouge.

Buddy was appointed to the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission by Governor Dave Treen in the early 80s and was elected President of that Commission in 1991.

Early in life, he became a principal in Sunshine Quality Solutions, a John Deere dealership, which has grown to 17 locations across South Louisiana.

Buddy is survived by his daughter, Janet Noel Tuxhorn, and two sons, Billy Noel and Allen Thomas “Tommy” Noel and wife Melissa. Four grandchildren, Matthew Thomas Noel and wife Amanda; Brandon Michael Noel and wife Megan; Elizabeth Noel Kerr and husband David; and, Timothy Lawrence Noel. His sister, Joel Noel Bergeron and daughter-in-law, Catherine Noel Eppling also survive him. He was much loved by ten great-grandchildren.

He was pre-deceased by his wife of 56 years, Nevil Gonzales Noel; two sons, David Joseph Noel and Chris Charles Noel; and son-in-law, John Paul “Jack” Tuxhorn. Also, a sister, Kathleen Noel Bergeron; and, two brothers, Donald Noel and Richard “Allie” Noel.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Francois Bend and most especially caregivers, Debbie Haynes and Shonda Ross.

Visitation with the family at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Hwy 1, Donaldsonville, LA will be on Friday, December 2nd, from 9:00 until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, to be officiated by Fr. Matthew Dupre.