Joe Carl Norman, 82, of Vidor, Texas, went home to be with the Lord Friday, May 15, 2009, at Harbor House in Beaumont.
The family will be receiving friends Monday evening from 6-9 p.m., May 18, 2009 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas.
Services celebrating Mr. Norman's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at North Orange Baptist Church Hwy. 87, Orange, Texas. Reverend Lynn Ashcraft will be officiating. Graveside services will immediately follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Hwy. 87, Bridge City, Texas.
Born in Axtell, Texas on July 19, 1926, Mr. Norman was the son of Lonnie D. and Mary Bozarth Norman.
Mr. Norman served his country bravely in WW II in Africa and the European Theater.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Patsy Ruth Robertson on October 6, 1945. After the war, they stayed in the Waco area until 1956. During this time they had two girls, Patsy Jo and Carla Ruth, Sondra Renee' came along later in Orange. Joe held down a full time job and attended Baylor University.
Mr. Norman began his remarkable journey in the construction business with a small Ford tractor doing parking lots and driveways in the Waco area. In 1956 he heard about the tremendous opportunities available in Southeast Texas in construction. They stopped in Vidor for one school year before settling in Orange, Texas.
Before long, Joe C. Norman Construction Co. was working with local municipalities, the chemical plants, as well as, state highway jobs. Mr. Norman's businesses grew to include J.C.N. Equipment Co., J.C.N. Pavers, Norstok Steel Building Co., Noroco Supply, Flowing Energy, Norman Restaurant Supply, and AGR Development, Corp.. These businesses all became known as Joe C. Norman Enterprises. Mr. Norman was also co owner of R&N Pharmacy, McLaury's Furniture & Appliance, Norman's Men's Fashions and Norman's Shoes at Gateway in Beaumont, and George Wilson's Men's Store and Norman's Shoes on Dowlen Rd. in Beaumont. He and Mrs. Norman also owned Town & Country Boutique and Antiques & Uniques in Orange.
Mr. and Mrs. Norman were members of North Orange Baptist Church and all of their daughters were baptized there. Mr. Norman served on the Finance committee, in the nursery, and wherever the church had a need.
Mr. Norman also served on the Board of Directors at the Orange Bank. He was a member of the Sunset Grove Country Club and the BPM club in Beaumont.
Mr. Norman's hobbies and interests were "working" and whatever his "bride", Patsy, enjoyed. This included the Astros and the Rangers. Each spring, for eleven years, they drove their motor home to Kissimmee, Florida for the Astros spring training camp.
Patsy and Joe loved traveling coast to coast and making wonderful friends from all over. They were avid collectors and loved antiquing.
Joe, especially, loved history and enjoyed exploring historical sites as they traveled. The Norman's were blessed to also have the opportunity to see many parts of the world. The last trip he was able to take was with his three daughters on a WW II Memorial Cruise thru the Pacific theater, from New Zealand to Japan.
Mr. Norman was preceded in death by his beloved "bride" of 60 years, Patsy Ruth Robertson Norman, Joe Patrick Morgan, grandson, Tye Norman, Morris Norman, and E.D. Norman, brothers and Edith Keirsey of California, sister. He is survived by his daughters Patsy Jo "P.J." Norman, Mrs. Carla Ruth Norman Minton and husband Larry, Sondra Renee' Norman all of Vidor, Michelle Morgan of Vidor, granddaughter, Chantel Morgan Smith and husband Michael of Colorado, granddaughter, Jaimie Humphries Morgan granddaughter-in-law of Pace, Fla., Richelle Minton, granddaughter, Raquel Minton Martin, granddaughter, Mrs. Christel Minton Sturm and husband Lance, all of Vidor, Mrs. Shonna Norman Nash granddaughter and husband Josh of North Carolina, Shon Norman grandson of Vidor, brother-in-law Don Robertson and wife Betty of Bryan, numerous nieces and nephews, and 18 great-grandchildren 2 more on the way his wonderful caretakers over the years of his illness, Sheri, Jo Ann, Delores, Shannon and others.
Pallbearers will be Mr. Norman's nephews: Greg Robertson, Marv Robertson, Brad Robertson, Trey Robertson, Don Hayes Robertson, Aaron Norman, Rod Norman, Charlie Norman, Marv Norman, Tye Norman
The family wishes to express great appreciation to the multitudes of friends and family who have, continually, lifted our dad and us up in prayer over the last four years. We also want to thank Dr. Antonio Remirez for the exceptional and compassionate care he gave our Mom and Dad for the last 15 years.