Donnie Noel

Donnie Noel, a man of deep faith, quiet integrity, and boundless love for his family, passed away peacefully at his home in Mooresville on August 17, 2026, at the age of 81.

Donnie’s life journey began on April 6, 1945, born in the warmth of his grandparents’ home in Spencer, Indiana, to the late Maxwell and Mary (Mills) Noel. A 1963 graduate of Monrovia High School, he went on to answer the call of duty, proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. Shortly after returning home, Donnie met his true match, LaDonna “Donna” Parks. They were married on September 18, 1970, launching a beautiful 55-year partnership built on mutual devotion and a shared foundation in Christ.

Donnie was a craftsman who took great pride in a hard day’s work. After a decade of working as a plumbing contractor, he brought his skill to Amtrak, serving faithfully as a plumber and pipefitter, until his retirement in 2004.  Don was a natural working as a service associate for 15 years at the former Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel and Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory.  His kind and gentle demeanor brought much comfort to the families he served.

More than anything, Donnie was a fisher of men who lived to serve the Lord. He poured his heart into his church communities, serving as a Deacon and Trustee at Gasburg Baptist Church for many years.  Most recently, he was a member of Five Points Baptist Church, and during winters in Naples, he enjoyed his membership at East Naples Baptist Church.

As a father, Donnie was entirely present. He raised his sons, Jason and Jeremy, with a sense of adventure—filling their summers with boating, camping, traveling, and teaching them to water ski. He possessed a lifelong appreciation for classic cars, but his truest joy was simply being “Papaw.” Donnie lived to make family memories, and in his later years, he and Donna cherished their peaceful winters together, soaking up the sunshine in Naples, Florida.

Donnie was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and Savior, and by his brother, Robert Noel, who preceded him in death.

His legacy of love lives on in his devoted wife, LaDonna; his proud sons, Jason (Shelly) Noel and Jeremy (Sarah) Noel; and his loving sister, Judy (Jack) Harless. He was the ultimate cheerleader for his grandchildren: Davis (Lexie) Noel, Bailey (Casey) Beville, Peighton (Ezra Wagner) Noel, Cooper Noel, and Preston (Ava Shafer) Noel. Though he did not get to hold her, Donnie was already filled with anticipation and love for his first great-granddaughter, who is expected to arrive this October.  Don will also be remembered fondly by an extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends from the classic car community.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Donnie’s beautiful life at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 39 E. High St., Mooresville, IN. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 5 p.m. 8 p.m. His Life Celebration® service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with Jack Elliott and Tony Gearlds officiating. Donnie will be laid to rest at Nebo Memorial Park in Martinsville.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donnie’s memory to the American Heart Association. To share a favorite story, laugh, or memory, please sign the online guest registry at CarlisleBranson.com.