Judge Notzon, II

The Honorable Judge Marcel Carroll Notzon, II, 82, entered peacefully into eternal rest at his home on Wednesday, April 04, 2018, holding the hand of his beloved wife of 56 years, Nora Lee Haynes Notzon.

Judge Notzon was born August 24, 1935, in Laredo, Texas and was named after his uncle Msgr Marcel Carroll Notzon. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1952, where he was the most valuable football player, and then continued on to graduate at the top of his class at St. Mary’s University with a BA in Government in 1956. He served as an instructor at the US Air Force Language School at Lackland A.F.B. where he also got his pilot’s license. He served this great country he so passionately loved as an officer in the Navy stationed in Japan from 1956 until 1960 when he was honorably discharged. After marrying the love of his life, Nora Lee Haynes in 1961, he taught history at Lamar Junior High. He went on to study law at St. Mary’s University where he graduated Valedictorian and received his JD in 1967. His love of the law and justice spanned a legal career of over 39 years, with a near quarter century on the bench as the United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Texas.

His tenure as U.S. Magistrate Judge was honored in 2006 by the Laredo Webb County Barr Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. District Judge George P. Kazen called him the heart of the court house. Throughout his 24 years on the bench, he successfully navigated peoples’ destinies with the utmost dignity and respect for them and their families.

His unselfish devotion and integrity defined him as the astonishing human being he was to his family, friends and the Laredo community. A pillar in the community, he served on a multitude of organizations and boards, including the Laredo Legal Aid Society, Kiwanis Club, the Boys and Girls Club where he was inducted into the Laredo Hall of Fame in 2010, St. Patrick’s Church, Brothers of Saint John Society, and as a member of the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was also honored to portray the role of our Founding Father George Washington in 1990 for the Society of Martha Washington.

An adoring and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he instilled in each of them a deep and profound love for God, and for Country. He cultivated their love for learning, debate, music, athletics, outdoors, humor, people and a positive attitude. A charismatic dancer and singer, he was known for his powerful rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”.

Notwithstanding all of his many qualities and achievements, his tremendous intellect and passion, his love of life and of people, his devotion to God and to Justice, Judge Notzon will be most remembered as a portrait of a beloved, compassionate public servant and for a full life well lived in accordance with the rule of law and the rules of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aloysius J. and Hortense S. Leyendecker Notzon; sister, Alice Hortense Notzon; and infant son, Bernard Notzon.

Left to continue his legacy and cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Nora Lee Haynes Notzon; children, Marcel C. (Yvonne) Notzon, III, James Aloysius Notzon, Christopher Alexander (Judith) Notzon, Vincent Anthony (Adriana) Notzon, John Dominique (Lindsay) Notzon, and Nora Lee Notzon (Kerim) Derhalli; daughters in-law, Judge Monica Zapata Notzon and Sarah Collins Comstock; and seventeen grandchildren, Christina (Sal), Ashley, Natali, Carolyn , Anna Claudia, Christopher, John Dominique, Vincent, Catherine, Joseph, Charlotte, Shelby, Jack, Gabriela, Viviane, Victoria, and Emelie. He is also survived by his siblings, Aloys Joseph (Angela) Notzon, II, Frances Marguerite Kuntz, and Martin Alexander (Betty) Notzon; as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, April 06, 2018 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m. officiated by Msgr. James Harris.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday morning, April 07, 2018 departing at 11:40 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon celebrated by Msgr. James Harris in the presence of Most Rev. James A. Tamayo, Bishop of Laredo.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Marcel C. Notzon, III, James A. Notzon, Christopher A. Notzon, Vincent A. Notzon, John D. Notzon, Kerim R. Derhalli, Aloys J. Notzon, II, and Martin Notzon.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Judge George P. Kazen, Beto Magnon, Tony Sanchez, Jr., Dennis Nixon, Gary Jacobs, Renato Zapata, II, Judge CY Benavides, II, Lazaro Garza-Gongora, George Juarez, Javier Elizondo, John Oppenheimer, Epitacio Resendez, Buddy Bruni, Rey Rodriguez, Dr. Leopoldo Lopez, Fofo Gonzalez, Sal Ochoa, Craig Lawrence, Carol Summers, Tad Brittingham, Federico Longoria, Alfredo Gutierrez, Ramon Salido, Chato Resendez, Enrique Resendez, Poncho Cuellar, Paul Young, Glenn Jackson, Ray Collins, CY Benavides III, Richard Morales, Marino De Leon, Thomas Tomko, Fernando Laurel, Raymond Botello, Joe Martin, Bob O’Connor, Charlie Arguindegui, Kenneth Baxter Holman, Tommy Guajardo, and Beto Gutierrez.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to: Dr. Carlos Hornedo, Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, Dr. Leo Cigarroa, Dr. Dario Narro, Dr. Gabriel Gonzalez, Cima Hospice Care, and South Texas Primary Care for the care and attention they provided during their time of need. The family would like to especially thank his longtime care providers who worked with endless compassion to ensure that each of his needs were met: Antonio Lara, David A. Medrano, Felix Soto, Javier Villalobos, Johnathan Sierra, Julio Serna, Teofilo Garcia, and Virgilio Chavez. The family’s heartfelt love and appreciation go to: his Excellency, Bishop James A. Tamayo, Msgr. James Harris, and Msgr. Tom Davis for their spiritual guidance during their father’s last days.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laredo, 1901 Corpus Christi St., Laredo, Texas 78043 and/or The Congregation of St John of Laredo, 505 Century Dr. S., Laredo, Texas 78046.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Road, Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.