[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 17 (Thursday, February 2, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO LIONEL WINSTON ``RED'' NOONAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 2012

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to former Mobile 
County Probate Judge and former State Senator Lionel ``Red'' Noonan, a 
much beloved citizen of South Alabama, who recently passed away at the 
age of 86.
  When we think of a public servant, we often have a mental image of 
someone who dutifully performs their job over many years for the good 
of the people. While there are many public servants in our land, few 
can match the level of selfless dedication of Judge Red Noonan. He 
possessed an indomitable enthusiasm for life and for helping others. 
Always wearing a smile and always looking to make things better for our 
community, that is how he will be remembered.
  A native of New Orleans, Judge Noonan soon made his way to Mobile 
where he attended Murphy High School. He distinguished himself early on 
as a gifted athlete, participating in an AAU tumbling competition at 
the 1934 Chicago World's Fair, and later stood out as a star player on 
the Murphy High football team. He was named to the All-City Team and 
Murphy's Hall of Fame.
  Upon graduation in 1942, he joined the Navy, serving his country 
during World War II. After returning home from the war, he attended the 
University of Alabama where once again he put his athletic talents to 
good use. He was selected as starting fullback for the Crimson Tide for 
four seasons, and played in both the 1946 Rose Bowl and the 1948 Sugar 
Bowl.
  After earning his bachelor's degree in 1950, Judge Noonan also 
pursued and received a law degree from the University of Alabama. He 
accomplished this goal while also serving as the University's freshman 
football coach. He later earned a Masters in Economics at Alabama.
  After completing his education, he worked from 1953 to 1980 at 
Merchant's National Bank in Mobile where he served as a Vice President 
and Trust Officer. He ran successfully for Alabama State Senate 
District 24, holding office from 1971 to 1978. In 1983, he was elected 
Probate Judge of Mobile County, serving until his retirement in 2001.
  During his public service, Judge Noonan was instrumental in the 
creation of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and the 
construction of the Theodore Industrial Canal and the Alabama State 
Docks Bulk Material Handling Plant.
  He didn't stop there, however. He served on numerous local and state 
organizations, including as President of the Alabama Probate Judge's 
Association, President of the Trust Division of the Alabama Bankers 
Association, President of the Estate Planning Council of Mobile, Member 
of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, member of 
the Mobile Racing Commission and President of the University of Alabama 
``A'' Club, to name but a few. He was named to the Mobile Sports Hall 
of Fame in 2001.
  To say Mobile will miss Judge Noonan's tireless leadership and 
exuberance for community service is an understatement. On behalf of the 
people of South Alabama I wish to extend condolences to his beloved 
wife of 61 years, Ruby Noonan of Fairhope, their children, Ruth, Rusty, 
Kelly, and grandchildren and many friends. You are all in our prayers.