Richard Norman
Norman Richard Edgar Norman Sr, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Wewoka, Oklahoma, on November 25, 1943, to Margaret Jane (Edwards) Norman and Edgar Franklin Norman, Richard grew up with a passion for people, service, and community.
Richard attended East Central University, where he met the love of his life, Nannette (Orebaugh) Norman of Ada, Oklahoma. The two married on July 23, 1965, and spent the rest of their lifetime together building a love for each other and foundation for themselves that would stand the test of time. They were blessed with three children: Richard Jr. and Shane Norman of Wewoka, Oklahoma and Amy (Norman) Norris of League City, Tx.
For 25 years, Richard owned and operated Norman’s Men’s Wear in his hometown of Wewoka. His store was more than a business—it was a gathering place where Richard’s warm personality and sense of humor made everyone feel welcome. Later, he relocated to Rancho Mirage, California, where he became a top salesman for Palm Springs Motors and later Hoyte Dodge in Sherman Tx. He often called himself “the world’s oldest car salesman,” it was a title he didn’t want to give up, because it reflected his love for his job and for the people he served. He loved his customers. Richard had an unmatched ability to connect with everyone he met, and people loved him in return.
A Veteran of the Oklahoma National Guard, and a devoted civic leader, Richard was a man of action and kindness, always lending his time and talents to the betterment of his community. He was a member of the Rotary Club, and a board member of the Seminole Nation Museum. He was also a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.
Richard had a passion for golf and cherished the camaraderie of the many friends he made on the course. He also loved telling a good joke, sharing laughter, and making others feel valued and loved. Above all, he prioritized time for his family, friends, and customers, knowing that relationships were life’s greatest treasures.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Margaret Jane Norman; his beloved son, Shane Norman; his nephew, Johnny Hoggatt; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Nannette; his children, Richard Norman and Amy (Norman) Norris; his cherished granddaughters from the Houston area—Kirsten (Norris) Reynolds (married to Keagan Reynolds), Kaile (Norris) Williams (married to Jordan Williams), Katherine (Norris) Fridge (married to Benjamin Fridge), and Kelli Norris. He also leaves behind his great-granddaughter, Delaney Fridge. Richard is also survived by his sister Nancy (Norman) Levesque and her husband John of Roseville , California; his brother John Norman of Wewoka, Oklahoma; his sister-in-law Saundra Orebaugh of Ardmore, Oklahoma; and his brother- and sister-in-law John Wayne and Donnetta Hoggatt of Ada, Oklahoma. He is fondly remembered by his cousins, his nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and loved ones. Richard leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and unwavering love. He touched countless lives, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 2:30 in the Wewoka high school auditorium. There will be a reception to follow from 3:30-6:30 at the Wewoka Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Seminole Nation Museum.
Arrangements by Stout-Phillips Funeral Home in Wewoka, Oklahoma.