Joe Ray Noel

Masonic funeral services with military honors for Joe Ray Noel, 94, of Lufkin, will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel under the auspices of the Homer Masonic Lodge #254 A.F. & A.M., with Pastor Pam Lundberg officiating. Interment will follow in the Fielder Memorial Cemetery.

Mr. Noel was born February 2, 1930 in Zavalla, Texas to the late Linnie Marie (Havard) and Robert Arthur Noel, Sr., and died Friday, January 24, 2025, at his residence.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Angelina County. He retired from the Lufkin Telephone Exchange after more than 36 years as an Engineer. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant from 1948–1952. He was a member of the Homer Masonic Lodge #254 A.F. & A.M. and VFW Post #1836. Faith and family were very important in Joe’s life, and he was a faithful member for 75 years of Homer Methodist Church.

A devoted member of the Homer Masonic Lodge #254 A.F. & A.M. for 70 years, Joe served in numerous roles, including Past Master, District Deputy Grand Master, District Instructor, and was a  Golden Trowel Recipient. He led the Lodge as Master from 1995 to 1996. Joe also coordinated the Take Time to Read Program at Huntington Schools, demonstrating his passion for education and service to the community.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe loved fishing, hunting, farming, and tending to the family farm. He volunteered for Dr. Bill Shelton’s Big Bass Splash and the LCTX/Consolidated Communications employee fish fry for many years, even after retirement. He cherished family dinners, often requesting pizza as the main course.

Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Chuck and Robin Noel of Austin, Peyton and Angie Noel, and Gary and Susan Noel, all of Lufkin; grandchildren, Chris Noel, Lindsay Waterman and husband Kevin, Craig Noel, Lacy Thrall, Kati Noel, A.J. Noel and wife Linzey; along with numerous great-grandchildren, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nita Noel; sons Raymond Noel and Rodney Noel; and brothers, R.A. Noel, Billy Noel, Tommy Noel, Prentice Noel; and sister, Marie Mott.

Pallbearers will be A.J. Noel, Skylar Quick, Dustin Allen, Bobby Evans, Kevin Waterman, and Chris Noel. Honorary pallbearers will be Landry Noel, Jesse Bates, Brandon Wells, Roger Gauthier, Kevin Terry, and all members of the Homer Masonic Lodge #254 A.F. & A.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Homer Masonic Lodge #254 A.F. & A.M. Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 254, Huntington, Texas 75949.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.