Born in Pilot Point, Texas, Noel received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1931, a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from that institution in 1932, and a Bachelor of Laws from Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in 1937.
He served in the United States Naval Reserve during World War II.
[1] On October 5, 1961, Noel received a recess appointment from President John F. Kennedy to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas created by 75 Stat.
He assumed senior status on December 15, 1976, serving in that capacity until his death on August 29, 1997, in Houston.
[1] Noel was an arbiter in the case involving the Westheimer Independent School District; he prevented the Houston Independent School District (HISD) from having an injunction against the completed election for Westheimer ISD to secede from HISD.