Norman Cavness Esse

On April 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, Norman Cavness Esse, 87, of Spring Branch, Texas, passed away following a series of illnesses related to Parkinson’s. Beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, neighbor and friend - Norman wore many hats.

He was born on February 13, 1939, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Herbert Otto and Clarice (Cavness) Esse, a businessman and school teacher. He grew up in Corpus Christi and attended First Baptist Church. He graduated from W.B. Ray High School (’56) and later, the University of Houston (BBA). As a young man, he enjoyed working with his father in the cotton and grain business in South Texas. He worked in sales in the petrochemical industry for over 40 years with a British company (Flexibox), covering all of south and east Texas, as well as Louisiana. He and first wife, Marilynn, had two daughters, Dawn and Janet.

He married Vicky Carnabuci in 1984, and they lived in Houston until retirement, when they moved to the Spring Branch area where they have enjoyed getting to know their new neighbors and making new friends.

He enjoyed his retirement years the most, when he could spend his time ranching and farming. He enjoyed working on his land in Whitsett and El Oso, Texas, and was so proud of his cattle and his 1964 John Deere tractor. A life-long hunter, Norman enjoyed managing the wildlife, ‘culling the herd’, checking on his stock tanks and sometimes just driving around for hours looking at the beauty of South Texas.

Norman didn’t know a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. It wasn’t unusual for him to get the life story of every nurse he had, and he loved flirting with waitresses and cashiers wherever he went. He also made lifelong friends and still talked daily with a childhood friend he met in preschool, Allan (Butch) Rankin and loved keeping up with his remaining high school buddies.

He was a great listener and was consulted for advice and direction from his children, grandchildren and friends. Like his mother, he loved to tell a good story and enjoyed making people laugh. In his younger years he was quite a prankster and loved goofing around with his brothers and many friends.

He was never content to just sit still and do nothing. He was a lifelong tinkerer and was happiest when he could be in his garage or tool shed working on a project. There was nothing he couldn’t repair or “create” for the house or yard. This was usually followed by a Natty Light at ‘beer thirty’!

Over the years, “Grandpa” attended quite a few ballet recitals, basketball games, graduations and birthday parties for his grandchildren, and was so proud of the successful adults they have become.

Norman and Vicky doted on their beloved dogs and had some very special pets over their many married years. They loved rescuing dogs and most recently had three large dogs.

He was a great guy — and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. But our faith tells us we will see him again in eternity. (Rev. 21:4)

He is survived by his wife, Victoria (Vicky) Carnabuci Esse; his daughters Dawn Esse Coleman and Janet Esse Heilman (and husband Eric); and grandchildren: Katherine Huseman (Bradley), Kevin Coleman (Ashley), Reagan Heilman, Paige Heilman and Grayson Heilman; and younger brother Brent Esse (Margie), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws, as well as Gracie and Riley, his beloved rescue dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Allen, and son-in-law Michael Coleman.

A private graveside ceremony will be held in Corpus Christi, with a memorial “Celebration of Life” service to follow in San Antonio in late May. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnels to Towers charity, the Bulverde Humane Society or the charity of your choice.

* Rev 21:4 - “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”