Obituary

Lawrence Joseph "Buddy" Noel III, a third generation farmer who lived his entire life in the Donaldsonville, La., area, died November 21 – hours before his 94th birthday. While farming was his obsession, Buddy's business interests were broad and varied after an early start as a principal in a John Deere dealership that grew to 17 locations across Louisiana. His service to his community ranged from participation on the local school board for 16 years to presiding over port activities in Baton Rouge, being appointed to the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission by Governor Dave Treen. He was elected President of that Commission in 1991. Active in the banking community, Buddy also had served as president of the bank, acquired by Hibernia, that later became Capital One.