Dr. John Noble, a team orthopaedic surgeon for McNeese Athletics who was a longtime advocate for McNeese State University and for advancing healthcare in the region, passed away peacefully on June 11 at the age of 61.
 
"We are deeply saddened to hear about Dr. Noble's passing," said Bridget Martin, McNeese Director of Athletics. "Dr. Noble was a very big part of our McNeese family. He cared greatly for our student-athletes, not only as players, but as people. His compassion, dedication, and presence will always remain part of our department's spirit."
 
A Lake Charles native, Noble earned his undergraduate degree from McNeese. He then received his Medical Degree from Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans. He completed an Orthopaedic Residency at LSU Medical Center, also in New Orleans, and a Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
 
During his orthopaedic residency, he was able to learn under long-time McNeese team doctor, Dr. David Drez, who became his mentor, and played a key role in advancing sports medicine within the community.
 
He joined the Center for Orthopaedics in 2000 and later established Noble Development and co-founded two software companies.
 
Dr. Noble was named a McNeese Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2023 and the McNeese Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal in 2025. In 2024, Gov. Landry appointed him to the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors to represent Southwest Louisiana.  
 
His leadership was a cornerstone of numerous medical organizations, including serving as past president of both the Louisiana State Medical Society and the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association.
 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 5495 Elliott Road, with Father Keith Pellerin serving as Celebrant. Visitation will be in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, on the evening of Friday, June 19 from 4-8 p.m., with a rosary being recited at 7 p.m., and will resume on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. until leaving in procession to the church.