Norman Victor Lovegren

Norman Victor Lovegren passed away early on Good Friday, April 10, 2020 at the age of 96. Beloved husband of the late Viola May Sturgeon Lovegren. Loving father of Bonnie Evans (Don), the late Ruth Womack (Bob), Lee Lovegren (Hope), John Lovegren (Dan) and Dr. Edith Lovegren (Lu). Son of the late Dr. Levi Alton Lovegren and Ida Langsea Lovegren. Brother of the late Anna Louise Lovegren, the late Mildred Lovegren, Dr. August Lovegren, and Edith Lambert. Grandfather of Rachel Stogner, Amy Brown, Justin Evans, David Evans, Tamara Clements, April Seaman, Jonathan Womack, Jason Lovegren, and Melissa Barnes and their respective spouses. Great-grandfather of twenty-two. Norman Lovegren was a Charter Member, Deacon, and Treasurer of Faith Baptist Church of New Orleans. He was also an active member of the First Baptist Church for over 50 years, including many years serving as a deacon, teaching Sunday School, and singing in the choir. Born to missionary parents in southwestern China, he later served in the U.S. Army in World War II on Okinawa, earning a Purple Heart. Shortly after marriage to Viola Sturgeon, a move to New Orleans began a 40+ year career as a research chemist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His creation of new agricultural seed-oil extraction processes earned him multiple patents. Additionally, he and five other fellow chemists built one another’s houses in their spare time. He loved discovery and nature. Numerous family camping vacations embraced most of the “lower 48” states, the national parks, and visits to a wide-spread geography of extended family. His ever-inquisitive mind resulted in the accumulation of over 6000 books and subscriptions to 30+ magazines on a wide variety of topics. His children were blessed to live in a home where their father and mother loved each other, the family was consistently supported, and the love of God and country and of learning were always encouraged. His wisdom, calm stability, perseverance, generosity, and commitment to his faith in God will be missed.

Norman Lovegren’s pastor, Byron Cutrer, along with a few family members, will be witness to the burial in Metairie Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at a later time after the pandemic is over for a larger gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life. For those who wish, donations to the Faith Baptist Church, 2318 Fern Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 (or online at www.faithneworleans.com) are prayerfully recommended.