Roll Call Tribute

Branon Funeral Home obituary
403 North Austin Avenue
Lamesa, TX 79331
(806) 872-8335

George D Norman
October 11, 1928 - August 7, 2017

George D Norman – October 11, 1928 – August 7, 2017. Memorial services for George D Norman, 88, of Lamesa will be held Friday, August 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Scott Seymour officiating. Visitation will follow the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.
George was born to George Dewey Norman and Bessie LaRue (VanWie) Norman in Paducah, Texas. He and his older sister, Kathryn (Trinka), remained close and loving siblings throughout their lives. The family moved to Lamesa in 1933, when his father became manager for Higginbotham Lumber Company. George learned valuable skills and work ethics while working alongside his father during his high school years. He graduated from Lamesa High School in 1945 and entered Texas A&M University, graduating in the Class of ’49.
Upon graduation, George returned to Lamesa as Manager of The Westerner Motel – for $150 per month! He was a successful proprietor – especially after adding the first motel swimming pool in Lamesa! He also served in the National Guard.
He married Suzanne Powell, an elementary school teacher from Greenville, Texas in 1952. They had two sons, Paul and Luke.
At the death of his father in 1954, George became involved in operations of farming and livestock in Gaines and Andrews Counties. The “Peach Orchard”, which was “created” in the early 1960’s, was the first large scale, commercial peach orchard in West Texas. During the following years, cotton, peanuts, watermelons – and even green beans – were grown on this land.
George loved Lamesa – and everything connected with the success and improvement of its growth and development. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, from 1933 until his death, serving in many capacities.
He served as a Director of the Lamesa Federal Savings & Loan Association, former President of Lamesa Rotary International and supporter of its Student Scholarship Fund; strong supporter of the Chamber of Commerce, Movieland, Boys & Girls Club, and many other outreaches of Dawson County – expecting no personal recognition.
He and Winifred (Win) Howard Norman married in December, 1980. Together they shared almost four decades of love, laughter and friendship – joining two families into one – in Lamesa, “Little Texas” (Woody Creek, CO), and in homes, churches, towns and golf courses. To quote a friend: “… George stood for civility, manners and respect. He understood values and he lived reflecting grace and humility.” And… he was fun – and loved.
George is survived by his wife, Winifred Norman of Lamesa; sons: Br Paul Norman, of The Church of the Transfiguration, Orleans, MA; Luke (Susan) Norman of Georgetown, TX; Step-daughters Terri (Gary) West of Fort Worth, TX; Sharon (Kenneth) McGivney of Shreveport, LA; Grandchildren: Kyle (Heather) Norman; Julie (Scott) Shipton; Meredith Hamrick; Jordan (Matt) Cason; Nathan (Zara) West; Spencer West; Joseph (Savannah) Hamrick. Great-Grandchildren: Connor & Audrey Norman; Archer, Gunner & Walker Cason; and surviving children and families of his beloved sister, Trinka. He leaves behind other loving – and loved – friends - especially Sonja Truitt, his trusted office manager and friend to both George and Win. The family suggests memorials to FUMC Building Fund, 409 N 3rd St Lamesa, TX, 79331, or other Christian Outreaches. To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.


Visitation

First United Methodist Church
409 N 3rd St
Lamesa, TX 79331
Friday, August 11, 2017
Following Memorial Service
Map to Visitation Location


Service

Church
First United Methodist Church
409 N. 3rd Street
Lamesa, TX 79331
Friday, August 11, 2017
2:00 p.m.
Map to Service Location