David Lee Norman

David Lee Norman was born in Mt. Pleasant, Texas on July 6, 1950, to Ruth Lee Norman and Paul Norman.  David and his older sister, Paula Jean, grew up in Mt. Vernon where the family settled.  He was part of a large active network of baby boomers, like himself, who entertained themselves outside in summer and winter, playing in vacant lots, riding bikes, and organizing unofficial sports and other games.  Throughout his childhood he was also very close to his maternal grandparents, Birdie Lee (known as Nanny Be) and US Lee and often spent time with them in the Purley community.  David attended and graduated from Mt. Vernon schools.  He was a member of the high school football team and valued by his friends for his sense of humor and adventurous nature. 

David had a natural talent for building and working with mechanical systems, and after high school graduation in 1968, he worked on river boats, sailing up and down the Mississippi River and exploring the ports of call along the way.  After this unofficial education he enrolled at what was then East Texas State University, now Texas A&M - Commerce, supporting his education by laying carpet for a local business.  In 1970 he and Debbie Tom began dating, and after her graduation from high school they both attended Texas Tech in Lubbock in 1973. 

Debbie and David married in the summer of 1975.  They moved to Arlington where David worked as a carpenter and attended the University of Texas at Arlington.  The Normans moved back to Mt. Vernon in 1978 to the historic home at 802 West Main where they would live for more than four decades.  Debbie and David became parents to two beloved daughters, Lauren in 1980 and Audrey in 1981.  During the years they were raising their family, Debbie worked professionally as a nurse and David was employed for many years in land reclamation as a surveyor at the coal mining plant in Monticello.  They retired in 2004 and began enjoying an active life gardening, collecting, and selling antiques on the internet, reading widely and socializing with family and friends.

David's family expanded when Lauren married Jason Lewis in 2009.  Over the years the family shared the love of some remarkable canines including Bob a terrier and Hank a cow dog.  In recent years Debbie and David provided superior dog day care while their daughters and son-in-law worked, with most days ending in a communal meal. 

David passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 5 while working in his garden.  He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Paula Jean Norman.  He is survived by his wife Debbie, his daughters Audrey Norman and Lauren Norman Lewis, and his son-in-law Jason Lewis, all of Mt. Vernon.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, in David’s name, to the Animal Protection League of Sulphur Springs (468 Shannon Rd W., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482, 903-439-2953).

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