John Lawrence deNoyelles VIII

John Lawrence deNoyelles VIII passed away peacefully September 20, 2023, in Waco, Texas.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Lawrence deNoyelles VII; mother, Dorothy deNoyelles; sister, Rebecca Bailey; brother-in-law, Ed Latvatalo; and beloved niece, Julie Latvatalo Smith.

John is survived by his four daughters, Amy deNoyelles (Paul Monticelli) of Dallas, Lauren Hood (Kyle) of Austin, Erica McKay (Bart) of Waco, and Allison Dungan (Kirk) of Hewitt; five grandchildren, Ross and Caroline McKay, Wyatt and Owen Hood, and Emmalyn Dungan; sister, Deborah deNoyelles Latvatalo; nephews, John Latvatalo, David Latvatalo and Brian Latvatalo.

Born  July 21, 1943, in Haverstraw, New York, the family moved frequently and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, eventually settling in Dallas, Texas, where John graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1961. He continued his education at the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing and Finance in 1967. His career brought him to Tyler, Texas in 1970, where he spent most of his life. He relocated to Waco, Texas, in 2017 to be near his family.

John achieved his goal of working for IBM during the early years of the computer revolution. His career with IBM spanned over three decades and included multiple awards and honors for his leadership and significant contributions. 

In addition to his professional endeavors, John was a gregarious individual who effortlessly connected with people. He leveraged his charm and networking skills to serve his community, assuming multiple leadership roles in the Republican Party which included serving as Chairman of the Smith County Republican Party, as a delegate to the 1992 Republican National Convention and in political campaigns for George W. Bush and Rick Perry, which led to his appointment as the Vice Chair and presiding officer of the Commission on State Emergency Communications by then-Texas Governor Rick Perry. John served on the Board of Directors for Smith County Habitat for Humanity and the Smith County Appraisal District, and mentored adolescents through Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and Junior Achievement. 

John’s interests extended to aviation and space, leading him to earn his pilot’s license and join the Civil Air Patrol, where he received the Meritorious Service Award.

However, John’s greatest love was for his family and his country. He cherished moments with his children and grandchildren, often spending quality time on Lake Palestine, celebrating the 4th of July, and enjoying sunsets with a cold beer in hand, NASCAR, the Cowboys or the Chiefs on TV, and patriotic music playing in the background.

John’s daughters extend their gratitude to the staff of The Delaney at Lake Waco and Interim Hospice for their tender and compassionate care, especially during his final days. In accordance with John’s wishes, no formal service will be held. Instead, the family suggests that those who wish to honor his memory consider making a donation to Habitat for Humanity or Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.  

John leaves behind a legacy of dedication to community, a love for God and family, and a passion for his country. His presence will be greatly missed, but his impact will endure through the lives he touched.