Major Manuel Alejandro 'Alex' Noyola

EDINBURG- US Army Major (R) Manuel Alejandro 'Alex' Noyola, 49, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Major Alex Noyola was born on November 8, 1973 in Edinburg, TX, to Alejandro Noyola and Angelita Galvan. Alex grew up in Edcouch and graduated from Edcouch-Elsa HS in 1992. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Military Science from the University of Texas Pan American (1999), Alex went on to earn his Master's of Science in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Missouri-Rolla (2005). 

Major Noyola was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2000 and served his country with distinction. He deployed 3 times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and 1 time to Kuwait. Throughout his career as an Army Engineer Officer, he held many high-profile positions where his hard work and dedication were exceptional. Alex loved being an Army Officer. He loved the military and all it stood for, and most of all he loved serving his country. Upon his retirement from the US Army, Alex became the Senior Army JROTC Instructor at Sharyland High School in Mission, Texas.

Major Noyola's awards and decorations from the Army include the Iraq Campaign Medal w/ 4 campaign stars, Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (4th Award), Valorous Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, (2nd Award), Parachutist Badge.
 
Alex was a devoted father to his children and his students. He was a beloved brother and son. He was a leader, an educator, a mentor, and a great friend. Alex enjoyed fishing, hosting family BBQ's and was passionate about art.

Alex is preceded in death by his parents, Alejandro and Angelita Noyola. Alex is survived by his three children, Ethan Noyola (21), Erik Noyola (14) and Emma Noyola (9). He is also survived by his siblings, LTC (R) Arnold (Claudia) Noyola, Eugene (Roxanne) Noyola, Rogelio 'Rocky' (Rosie) Noyola, Maricella Noyola, Alonzo Noyola, Alejandro Noyola Jr; goddaughter, Adriana Noyola and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends Monday, February 6, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Chapel in Edcouch. Viewing will continue Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service will follow at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission where he will be laid to rest. Full Military honors will be conducted by the VFW Post 7473 of Elsa. Military uniform welcomed during the interment. Having the distinguished honor serving as pallbearers are: Ethan Noyola; Erik Noyola; LTC (R) Arnold Noyola; Eugene Noyola; Rogelio Noyola; Armando Noyola; Hector Cardoza; SGM (R) Roberto Rodriguez and honorary pallbearer will be his daughter, Emma Noyola.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Chapels of Edcouch.