SSG (Ret.) Norman Gene Niswonger

Norman Gene Niswonger was born on August 10, 1937 in Cape Girardeau, MO one of eleven children born to Alvin Niswonger and Elizabeth Miller Niswonger. After battling kidney failure for over a year, Norman died peacefully in the arms of Our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 7, 2016.

He loved the Lord and carried Psalm 91 with him to Vietnam. Norman served many positions in the church to include Deacon and Usher.

Norman served his country as an Army Soldier for over 20 years before retiring with the rank of SSG. During his time in the Army, his tours of duty included Ft. Bliss TX, Ft. Benning GA, Vietnam, Ft Sill OK, Germany and finally Ft. Hood TX. While in Vietnam Norman had the distinct honor of being the military escort for General West Moreland.

Norman was an avid bowler and bingo player while stationed in Germany. He loved to sell cars and was part owner of Uptown Motors and Excel Motors. He was called “Storming Norman” and was known for selling cars within 5 minutes; but never without first making sure they were safe for a family to drive.

Norman loved cars, but Mustang’s, Camaro’s and El Camino’s were his favorite. He would buy cars, fix them, paint them and then try to keep them.

Norman purchased a Ford for $10.00 from a soldier and made it into a race car. He raced that old Ford every Saturday night while stationed in Ft. Sill, Ok. When he was the driver they won, but when his mechanic drove, they lost.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents and all ten of his siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carla Jean Niswonger and their four children; Sharon Niswonger, Steven Niswonger (Tammy), Scott Niswonger (April) and Tamara Vaughn (Ray). He will also be missed by six grandchildren; Shawn Ward, Christopher Niswonger (Nicole), Sydnee Niswonger, Jordanna Porter, Conner Niswonger and Cooper Niswonger and two great-grandchildren; Oakley and Annaleigh Niswonger.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the building fund at Bethel Church P.O. Box 952 Killeen TX 76540.

The Niswonger family will receive guests for visitation on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 6 PM – 8 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 10 AM in the chapel of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen. Burial will follow in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

You may share condolences with the Niswonger family by visiting www.crawfordbowers.org

Arrangements under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Killeen, TX.