Norman (Joe) Newsom

Norman Neal Newsom (Joe), husband, father, and papa, went to be with the Lord on August 8, 2023, at the age of 80, surrounded by his family.

Norman was born on March 9, 1943, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Johnie and Marie (Gill) Newsom. He married Nona A. Daggs, and they would have celebrated their 58th anniversary on November 5, 2023.

Joe joined the US Navy in 1962 and was assigned to the Seabee’s Construction Battalion. During his time, he served on a US Naval ship preparing structures as part of the war effort. In November of 1963, the importance of the US Military and the freedom of the people became very clear to him as all operations ceased due to the assassination of President Kennedy.  He passed on his love for our country to his children and grandchildren.  He was honorably discharged in 1964.

He also worked in civil engineering and planning for Tinker Air Force Base, Midwest City, Oklahoma from 1966 to 1993.  He served his country for a combined thirty years, always standing for the National Anthem and the Hallelujah Chorus.

He loved to build and started working in carpentry at the age of 15.  He built a house that we called home for twenty years and would also build other homes and several room additions. For many years he was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church where he served as an usher standing at the exit to shake every child’s hand as they left the service. If they shook his hand as they left, they would find a surprise (candy) in their hand. He became known as the candy man. In 1985 he began serving as an active deacon at Choctaw First Baptist Church. He served our Lord in many capacities but the most rewarding was the six months that he served as interim director at Cedar Hills Baptist Youth Camp in Southwest Oklahoma. The camp had not been used in over two years and was in much need of repairs and cleaning.  In seven weeks, the pools, recreational areas, cafeteria, concession stands, and tabernacle were ready to be used and enjoyed by many young people.  He received many letters from area pastors for all the work that had been accomplished in such a short time.  The greatest reward will be in heaven when he is able to share in the decisions that were made by the youth that accepted Christ as Savior and the commitments they made to special ministries.

Norman is survived by his wife Nona and his daughters, Tawana Rhodes and Lisa (Ron) Baranski, one grandson Jacob Rhodes, two granddaughters Megan (Mike) Jones, and Lexi (Kobi) Moore, and two great-grandsons Kyler and Cooper Jones.  He is also survived by one sister Teresa Villarreal and two brothers Easkel (Connie) Newsom and Jerry (Melina) Newsom and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Johnie Newsom and mother Marie (Gill) Newsom, two sisters, Johnnie Spears, and Ruth Cox, and one brother Beachel Newsom.

Today we honor Norman Newsom, the life he lived, the country he loved, and the God in whom he trusted.

The family will receive friends for a visitation, Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options.

Norman will be laid to rest with military honors Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Dallas/Ft Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas.

If desired, contributions may be made in Norman’s name to the American Heart Association at: www.heart.org