R. E. J. Norrod

Beloved friend and family member Robert Earl James Norrod, 93, passed from this life on Sunday, April 29, 2012 in a Lufkin hospital after a brief illness. Named after three of his parents' favorite brothers, he insisted on being called "Rej".

Born near Waxahatchie, Texas to Emmie Thompson Norrod and James "Pop" Norrod on August 24, 1918, Rej and his seven siblings grew up on Chapman Ranch near Corpus Christi, Texas. It was in Corpus that Rej met his wife Marie, to whom he was married for over 60 years. They came to Lufkin in1957 where Rej transferred with the Postal Service. Together they made and kept friends, camped, played games and raised two sons, Earl and Ben. After Rej's retirement, he and Marie traveled around the United States in various vehicles equipped for roaming, making friends and having fun along the way. They also worked on several mission building projects through First United Methodist Church, where they were members.

Rej served in the United States Army during World War II. The stories he told related how Uncle Sam sent him around Europe, always arriving just after the front had moved, so his primary duties involved guarding what the United States had already won. Rej trained as a postal clerk, a vocation he employed at the FPO in Europe and embraced after his return home and for the rest of his career.

After Marie's death, Rej met and married Evelyn Pope of Lufkin, Texas, whom he dearly loved, along with her family. They celebrated over 7 years of being in love before her death in 2008.

Rej was a devoted and faithful Christian, serving and working in the Methodist Church most of his younger life. After he joined the Denman Avenue Baptist Church in Lufkin, he remained a faithful attender and supporter until his death, though he could no longer serve.

Rej loved God and worshiped Him sincerely and faithfully. He was a man of good character and loved and welcomed people of all ages into his life, all of his life. Words like "good" and "kind" and "sweet" were used commonly to describe him. He was a music lover, a poet, a crossword puzzle fan, and a 42 fanatic. Although he enjoyed what life had to offer him, he lived and died with quiet confidence that this life is not all there is to our existence.

Rej is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Earl and Kathy Norrod, Ben and Dixie Norrod and Mark and Debbie Pope, all of Lufkin; granddaughter, Holly Norrod Totouom Tangho and husband Daniel; grandsons, Arlie Conner and wife Autumn and Jason Conner; great-granddaughters, Nicolle, Brittany and Michele Conner; great-grandson, Cameron Conner; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

This loving man was dearly loved and will be missed, although his example will remain a powerful influence and motivation in years to come.

Special recognition and thanks are due to Rej's special friends, including the staff of Neches House in Lufkin, who became friends in his home of the last several years, the "forty-two bunch" at the Angelina County Senior Citizens' Center, who became his social community, area doctors and nurses who attended him, and especially those from Denman Avenue Baptist Church who surrounded and supported him during his decline. Thank you for loving him back.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Denman Avenue Baptist Church to purchase foyer benches in his honor, or to the Gideons International.

Pallbearers will be John Tucker, Arlie Conner, Cameron Conner, R. A. Wall, Charles Smithhart, George Rowe, and Joe Anthony.

Services for Rej will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2012 in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Charles Roberts and Pastor Jeff Moats officiating. Interment will follow in the Whitehouse Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home