Norman Waldo Luther Jr.

Norman Waldo Luther, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2017. Born in Kinder, Louisiana on May 9, 1929, Norman moved with his family to Houston in the 1930s and graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1947.

During the Korean War, he served honorably as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion. Following his military service, Norman received his B. S. and Master of Education degrees from the University of Houston. Along the way, he also became an accomplished classical pianist and ballroom dancer. His passion for public education led Norman to take a position with HISD in 1956. For the next 46 years, he served as a teacher and principal, the last 27 years as principal of Brookline Elementary. Norman considered the members of the Brookline community to be part of his extended family. He taught and mentored countless students, teachers and parents, and their success was a great source of joy to him, even in his final hours. A profoundly religious man, he often said that he never felt closer to God than when he was helping others find a better path through teaching.

Norman will be deeply missed by his wife of 53 years, Marilyn Luther, his son Paul Luther, daughter-in-law Melissa Luther, his beloved granddaughter Madeleine, sister Mary Louise Colburn and sister-in-law Patricia Luther. He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman W. and Thelma Louise Luther, and his brothers Charles and William Luther.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers and neighbors who did so much to help Norman carry forward in his last years with his customary dignity, humor and strength.