Bethel Andrew “BA” Norman was born July 22, 1927 to William Green and Bessie May Martin Norman in Butler, Oklahoma. In 1945, BA graduated from Butler High School before joining the United States Navy in April that year. In January of 1950, he joined the United States Army and served his country at home and abroad, earning the Korean Service Medal and the Bronze Star, among other honors. He was honorably discharged in July of 1952. He continued his military service before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in United States Army Reserve in August of 1980. Apart from his service with the Army Reserves, BA was a career employee of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company with over 39 years of service and was a member of the Communication Workers of America.
Residing in Norman, Oklahoma, BA married Betty Lou Rock on October 31, 1972 in El Paso, Texas and served her faithfully until her untimely death on December 15, 1995, following an extended illness. On April 12, 1996 he married A. Helen Favors of Norman, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. BA and Helen continued to reside in Norman, enjoying volunteer work, travel and spending time together. BA was a long time member of Bethel Baptist Church in Norman, Telephone Pioneers and Sooner Schooner Travel Club.
Mr. Norman was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Lou; sister, Edna Katharine “Babe” Norman of Butler, Oklahoma; son, Loyd Rex Norman of Butler, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Helen of Norman; stepchildren, Stephen Favors and wife Susan of Norman, Denisa Ann Kier and husband Larry of Norman, Allen Coy Rock and wife Dana of Fairfax, Virginia, Eddie Carl Rock and wife Ponzel of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Deanna K. Clapsaddle and husband Brett C., of Katy, Texas and Rhonda Lou Rock of Lawton, Oklahoma.; fourteen step-grandchildren and fifteen step-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Sunset Memorial Park from 4 PM to 8 PM with family receiving friends and other family from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Funeral service will be held at 10 AM, Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at Bethel Baptist Church, Norman, Oklahoma with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Norman, Oklahoma. Arrangements are entrusted to Primrose Funeral Service, www.primrosefuneralservice.com.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Bethel Baptist Church, 1717 W. Lindsey St, Norman, OK 73069.
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