Norman McCommon

MARSHALL — Norman McCommon, age 85, of Marshall, Texas, passed away July 30, 2012. Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, August 2, 2012, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home with Ron Avey officiating. Burial will take place in Algoma North Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today, August 1, 2012, at Downs Funeral Home.
Norman was born January 12, 1927, in Saulsbury, Tenn., to Newton and Minnie McCommon. Norman received his schooling at Central High School, Bolivar, Tenn. He served 1945-1947 in the U.S. Army. His mission was with the reconstruction of war-torn Germany. Norman returned to Bolivar and married his sweetheart, Rita Jean Irwin, on June 6, 1948. They celebrated 64 years of happy and joyful union.
In 1958, Norman was hired by the Marshall Fire Department. After many summer classes at Texas A&M studying fire fighting, he was appointed Marshall Fire Department's first training officer.
Norman received many awards of achievement. The one he held most dear was the "Bill Sullivan Firemen of the Year - October 3, 1979." He was training officer until his retirement in 1981. Immediately after retirement, he accepted the position from Jim Pears, Marshall Memorial Hospital, to set up the "Fire Safety and Disaster Program." He served Memorial Hospital for 14 years, retiring in 1996.
Norman's love and honor was always with his fellow firemen. His hobby was gardening. He was a man of many talents. Whenever something needed fixing or built, he was called upon for his know-how.
His children and grandchildren were the joy of his life. He will be greatly missed.
Norman is survived by his wife, Rita; daughter-in-law, LaVenda McCommon of Longview; son, Douglas McCommon and wife, Kathy, of Longview; daughter, Norma Mattox and husband, Ron, of Marshall;one brother, Billy McCommon of Collierville, Tenn.; seven grandchildren, Justin Posey of Longview, Kathryn and Brian Dawson of Austin, Maleah McCommon of Dallas, Megan Fallingstad of Longview, Lauren McCommon of Dallas, Kimber McCommon of Longview and Andrew (Andy) McCommon of Longview; one great-grandson, Ryder Fallingstad; and his most special friend and companion, Ava, his little black Dachshund. Norman honored and cherished his close friendship with former fireman Jack Davis. Jack has been a faithful friend in good times and bad times.
Norman was preceded in death by a son, Robert "Bob" McCommon; his parents; and brothers, Wilbert and Robert McCommon.
Pallbearers will be Ron Mattox, Justin Posey, Andrew McCommon, Jack Davis, Ken Burgin, Jerry Patterson, Stan Spence and John Coleman. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Billy Westbrook, Charlie Bradshaw and Glen Coleman.
The family wishes to offer a special thanks to Marshall Home Care and Hospice, Sue Perkins and Rachel Tolar.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Marshall Home Health and Hospice, 111 East Burleson, Marshall, TX 75670.
Online condolences may be made at www.downsfuneralhome.com