Eugene "Gene" Francis Noel, Jr.

Eugene "Gene" Francis Noel, Jr. M.Ed., P.T., 77, of Alexandria, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Francis Noel, Sr. and Lucy Baudoin Noel; his brother, Daniel Ray Noel; and his sister, Gloria Ann Noel Luquette.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 57 years, JoAnn Frederick Noel of Alexandria; his brother, Floyd Noel and wife, Millie of Maurice; his daughter, Christie Coulon and husband, Dave of Alexandria; his son, Dean Noel and wife, Kellie of Bay St. Louis; five grandchildren: Connor, Ethan, Allie, Evan and Brady, and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was born on December 29, 1944, in Abbeville, LA. He graduated from Abbeville High School in 1962, earned his Bachelor of Science from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA., in 1967, earned his Master of Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS., in 1968, and he ultimately earned his Certificate of Physical Therapy from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA., in 1971. Gene went on to practice physical therapy for 50 years. His career began as the Director of Physical Therapy at Rapides Regional Medical Center. He also owned Alexandria Physical Therapy Clinic, served as an advisor for the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board, and was elected into the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association Hall of Fame in 2013. In his time not dedicated to his impressive career, he was an avid hunter, enjoyed woodworking, loved cheering on the LSU Tigers, and you could often find him dancing with his wife, JoAnn, to their favorite songs from the 50s and 60s.

Gene will be remembered as the amazing and impactful person that he was – an adoring husband, a wonderful father and "Papa," a loyal friend and inspiring mentor. To his family, he hung the moon, always ensuring that his loved ones had everything they ever wanted and needed. To his friends, he was a brother, willing to do whatever he could in a time of need and always ensuring that a good time was had by all. To those he mentored, he was the example of kindness, respect, integrity, and hard work. He lived a life that positively impacted everyone who was blessed enough to cross his path and his spirit will live on in the legacy of the memories that he leaves behind.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Connor Despino, Ethan Despino, Evan Noel, Greg Hebert, Sean Hebert, Troy Noel and Todd Noel. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Babson Fresh, Don Barker and Brady Coulon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Gene's honor be made to St. Rita Catholic Church or the American Heart Association.

A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Bay St. Louis, MS at 2:30 p.m.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the friends and family of Eugene Francis Noel, Jr.