Karl Henry Noel

Karl Henry Noel, age 80, entered peacefully into heaven on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at his home in Kenner, LA. Born in Lake, MS, on October 7, 1936, to George Albert and Alice Little Noel, the family later moved to Harperville, MS, where he grew up as “Sonny Boy.” He was brother to the late Anne Hamilton and surviving sister Lynn Crechale. Karl is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Sarah, to whom he was married for 22 years. He was the loving father of four sons: Randy (Teri), Danny (Jan), Raymond (Jeannette) and Chris (Donna); daughter Antoinette; and stepdaughter, Jennifer Pye. Known as “Big Daddy,” he was the proud grandfather of Nicholas, Jesse (Melody), Lauren (Devin), Allie, Zachary, Joshua, Raymond Jr., Madison, Melissa, Hunter, Andrew and great-grandson Jesse. He is also survived by the mother of his children and longtime friend, Jackie Burnham Noel, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Karl was an accomplished home builder and developer and was known by many as a creative genius in the construction industry. His commitment to designing houses and subdivisions for families that were affordable, safe and long-lasting led to beautiful homes for many, including the more than 2,000 homes that are his legacy in the Pensacola and Greater New Orleans areas. The passion, integrity and vision he brought to his career lives on through his family, in particular the work of his sons in the industry. In addition to running his building companies, Karl served on the board of directors of the Home Builders Association of New Orleans, as president of the Bonnabel Boosters, as president of the PTA and much more. Karl loved his family and his work, and as many of his dear friends and family can attest, he especially enjoyed talking about the building business. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched. The family would like to thank Lakeside Hospice and Tulane Cancer Center for their devoted care. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on Saturday, December 17, 2016, visitation 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Courtyard on the Ridge, 407 Folse St., in Harahan, LA. In lieu of flowers, friends and families are encouraged to donate in his name to St. Stephens Anglican Church (8023 Sycamore St., New Orleans, LA 70118), the Tulane Cancer Center Research Fund or the National Housing Endowment of NAHB (nationalhousingendowment.org).