Norris Kent Hammers

Norris Kent Hammers, a man who lived life as vibrantly as the Austin skyline, left us on December 19, 2025, in Luling, Texas. Born on October 13, 1950, Norris' journey was marked by laughter, love, and a touch of mischief.

A gridiron gladiator at La Porte High School, Norris played offense, defense, and special teams before continuing his studies at San Jacinto Junior College. In 1972, he moved to Austin, Texas, where he would eventually become a natural gas pipeline corrosion specialist, known for his reliability and humor. He also served his community on the local water board and The City of Hays City Council-until, in true Norris fashion, he voted himself off. Born witnessing segregation, Norris carried a lifelong rejection of it, living quietly but firmly as a champion of equality, treating everyone he met with kindness, dignity, and respect.

Norris was a dedicated athlete beyond high school, playing with his soft ball team the Arching Ropes for decades. When his days of playing softball with the Arching Ropes ended, the team became an extended family, sharing life's milestones with the same passion as on the diamond.

Norris was part of Austin's music scene, working the door at the Armadillo World Headquarters and occasionally playing guitar or bass with Better Than Bingo, named by his mother Mary. A lifelong University of Texas fan, for which his enthusiasm was contagious. He was a regular at the Kerrville Folk Festival, where the Leopard Lounge was less a campsite and more a second home. Known there as Notis, Norris found joy and acceptance in that community. He was an avid reader of detective novels and music history.To his grandkids,Temple Hammers and Fox Hammers, he was Ba Ba, a hero who could do no wrong, and his dog Benny Buckets was always at his side.

Family was his heart. He was a devoted husband to Maridean (Deanie) Hammers for 50 years, a loving father to Jay Hammers, and father-in-law to Lindsey McDougall. His kid sister Karen Hammers delighted in sharing stories of their childhood mischief, especially the ones that embarrassed him, keeping his playful spirit alive. Norris and Jay shared cherished adventures, from skiing trips with Norris' best friend Tom Hansen, to camping together at the Kerrville Folk Festival. When Jay and Lindsey moved to China Norris packed the biggest bag he could find and traveled with Deanie to Shanghai and beyond. He also took a trip across the pond to the British Isles, a lifelong dream of his beloved wife.

Describing Norris is simple: kind, generous, empathetic. He faced life with the open heart of a storyteller, ready with a tale or a pat on the back. His spirit lives on in every laugh, every generous act, and every courageous step taken in his name.

Norris' Memorial will be held on May 9th from from 1:30-3:30

At Tejas Hall 1205 Roland Ln., Kyle, TX 78640

"It's better to have something to remember than anything to regret"

Frank Zappa