There's an angel in Heaven today wearing overalls.

Norman Jones, 83, of Wichita Falls — a true Texas redneck with a heart of gold — passed away on February 23, 2024, in the care of Hospice of Wichita Falls after a long illness.

With a different hillbilly saying for every occasion, Norman brought many smiles and much love everywhere he went. He was fiercely loyal, tough as nails, tender hearted and completely unaffected by anyone's status. No matter who you were — you were special to Norman, and you could feel his love. Whether your car was broken down on the side of the road or you just needed a shoulder to lean on, Norman was there.

His physical presence and huge hugs will be forever missed, but his wisdom, his humor and his love will always remain.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 28th with the funeral following at 11:00 a.m.

Norman was born on August, 7, 1940, in Seminole, Texas, to Arthur Newton and Mille Lou Jones. His older brother Monterrey Jones was killed when Norman was just 16 years old.

Norman was a longtime resident of Wichita Falls, but if you asked him, he would tell you that he was raised in Dogpatch. The girls who grew up across the street from him, Janie Nelms and LouAnn Farmer, became his sisters in spirit. Norman graduated from Wichita Falls High School and was a Coyote through and through.  He then went to Midwestern State University and earned a Bachelor of science degree in physical education. He began his career at the Department of Transportation, then worked as a maintenance supervisor at Ciba Geigy and later at Certainteed. He ended his career as a right-of-way agent for several oil companies, which was a perfect job for him and his gift of gab.

Norman married Bobbie Carol Hall — the love of his life — in 1968. The couple was blessed with three children: Corey, Kyle and Joy. Norman doted on his children and was so proud of them and their families:

Corey and John Acton, and grandson Caleb of Ovilla.

Kyle and Jennie Jones, and grandchildren Hunter, Heath, and Hallie of Plano.

Joy and Trey Calhoun, and grandchildren Ella, Layla, Lydia and Loralei of Rockwall.

Norman had a way of making everyone around him "family" whether it was his Dogpatch buddies, classmates, teammates, or co-workers. He loved people and went out of his way to teach people about Jesus. He led several of his employees to the Lord, and on their days off, they would come to his house to study the Bible with him. He was a mentor and father figure to so many and always took the time to listen and counsel others who needed him.

Norman was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. His greatest hunting buddy was his son, Kyle, whose first hunting adventure was when he was eighteen months old in a baby carrier on his dad's back. Norman went on to convert his son-in-law, grandkids, and others to his hobby. He made numerous lifelong friends while hunting and had many adventures in South Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Canada. When he could no longer hunt as much as would have liked to — due to physical limitations, he turned to knife-making. He honed his skill and made beautiful unique hunting knives for his family and many friends.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to: Hospice of Wichita Falls, Inc., 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310.