Ronald was born June 5, 1965 in Zachary, Louisiana to the late Morris Noel and the late Barbary Fontenot Noel and was the youngest of four children born to that union. From an early age, he always had a strong work ethic. Working as a carpenter from the age of 16 years old, his hands were his life, and he used his skills and knowledge to help build industries throughout the area. His wife, Susan, recalls one of his proudest moments of working tirelessly during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as the lead foreman at the main breach in the 9th ward working to rebuild infrastructure. During a private meeting with his superintendent, former President George W. Bush put his hand on Ronald’s shoulder and told him that he could be proud of his efforts because he was making history. He was later coined by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for those same efforts and his picture and work site featured in an article written by Newt Gingrich in Time magazine. It was a difficult assignment but was truly the high point in his career and certainly one that he would never forget.
Outside of his work Ronald lived a pretty simple life, albeit a life filled with everything important to him. He was a true Louisiana outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, although Susan said he never really caught many fish. From the harvest of his hunts, he made his own smoked sausage with the best seasonings around. As Micheal recalled, the entire family looked forward to his venison jerky every Christmas. Many great meals were shared with family and friends.
Above all, Ronald’s greatest attributes was his tremendous faith and love of family. A simple man, in words only, yet a great man in stature. Rest well Ronald for we will be reunited one day.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 16 years, Susan Moore Noel; his stepdaughter, Geri Lynn Aucoin (Dwayne), stepson Dustin Bonin; four stepsons, Micheal Gautreaux (Dana), Wesley Gautreaux (Jenny), Steven Gautreaux, and Daniel Gautreaux; two granddaughters, Sarah Leiser and Gabi Aucoin; his sisters and brother, Karen Fuller (Ed), Janet Cheeks, and Johnny Noel; his mother-in-law, Foy Madine Turner (Edric) dear friends Harry Hebert, Freddie Crawford, and JR Aucoin, and his nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he is now reunited with his son, Ronald Maurice Noel.
Funeral services celebrating Mr. Ronald’s life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, July 9, 2021 at Evangeline Funeral Home. Bro. Chris Jeffus, Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, will officiate. Following services, Mr. Ronald will be laid to rest at Palestine Baptist Church Cemetery in Grant, Louisiana at 3:30 pm.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 am until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Francis Diner, Attention Mrs. Juanita Lewis, 1201 Hopkins Street, New Iberia, LA 70560.
Family and friends are encouraged to share the condolences and memories by visiting Mr. Ronald’s memorial page at www.evangelinefuneralhome.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.