Noel Edward McDonald

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Noel Edward McDonald, a loving father, grandfather, and entrepreneur, who passed away at age 83 on October 4, 2023. He resided in San Antonio, Texas. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carmen June Barbe; his parents, Rosemary and Edward; and brothers, Raymond and Gerry McDonald. Noel is survived by his daughter, Christy Bates (Timothy); sons, Shawn McDonald (Mary) and Robert McDonald; siblings, Dennis McDonald and Markay Youngs (Doug); and six grandchildren.

Noel lived a life of service to his country and commitment to his innovative creations. Noel was born on September 8, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri to Rosemary Briqueleur and Edward McDonald. Noel in his early years was inspired through his own curiosity and determination. Noel believed in being a hard worker. He started earning money at the age of 12 delivering the newspaper. In high school, he played basketball in his sophomore and junior year. After graduating 1958 from St. Peter’s High School in Roswell, NM, he worked at Greenhaw’s Sign Shop. There he learned to frame pictures and many aspects of the sign business to put himself through college. He enrolled in the New Mexico Military Institute Junior College and graduated with his associates in 1963 as a First Lieutenant Company Commander with a special commendation. Noel enjoyed Country Western Dance and created opportunities to go to dances whenever possible.

Noel continued his education at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM, graduated in 1967, and later earned a master’s in business administration. Noel returned to his Alumni School for a barbeque where he met his first wife Carmen June Barbe. They Married on December 28, 1968, and had three children. They were married 15 years until she succumbed to a short, but fierce, battle with cancer on May 11, 1983. During the early years of his marriage, he worked at Thiokol Chemical Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida.

Noel returned to Roswell, NM, and with his love for country answered the call of duty by enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas and overseas in Germany. After his active-duty service, he continued to serve his country with honor and distinction in the National Guard until his retirement, serving a total of 20 years. His dedication to the principles of duty, honor, and country was evident throughout his life.

Through his entrepreneurial endeavors, Noel’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to customer satisfaction was unmatched, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he served. Noel was able to dedicate himself to his craft and passion in the civilian world with the same spirit of determination and passion that had during his military career. Recognizing a need in the market, he embarked on a new journey as an entrepreneur, specializing in creating electric signs for businesses. Noel joined in partnership with his brother Dennis to create a company that was family run for several years. His ingenuity and commitment to quality quickly set him apart in the industry, his business flourished, and he was awarded Businessman of the Year by the Roswell Chamber of Commerce.

Later in life he became a resident of San Antonio, Texas, where he continued his business and remained a resident for nearly 35 years. Noel was proud of his family and Church. He cherished his three beloved children and six grandchildren as well as his Church family at the Restoration Church of San Antonio.

Visitation will be on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

FUNERAL SERVICEMONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 202312:00PMRESTORATION CHURCH OF SAN ANTONIO5800 NORTH LOOP 1604 EASTSAN ANTONIO, TX 78247

Interment will follow with full military honors in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.