The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Norman Lee Sumrall passed away on June 11th, in Salmon, ID. He was born April 27, 1920 in Call, to Rufus Long Sumrall and Bertha Evelyn Sumrall, the eldest of four brothers, Clifford Maurice, Rufus "Buddy" Long, and Thomas Williams Sumrall.

He graduated from Vidor High School in 1937 and moved to Houston where he worked in a butcher shop until he passed the Civil Service exam and began work as a postal clerk. When WWII was declared in December of 1941 he joined the US Navy and served as a quartermaster on a mine sweeper in the south pacific. He took his honorable discharge November 6th, 1945, and returned to the job being held for him in the postal service.

That November 15, he married Evelyn Louise Aery, a sister of two of his best friends, James Edward and William Mack. They had corresponded during his years in the service, sharing "love letters" and the news and concerns of the war. He got a transfer from the Houston office to Beaumont, and they made a home in Vidor.

They were proud parents of Loretta Ann Sumrall Rye, and Betty Janet Sumrall Tonjes. Both were active in their church, Eastgate United Pentecost as well as helping out in the community. Norman made another transfer from the Beaumont office to Vidor, becoming postmaster when Carl Webster retired, and remained until his retirement in the mid seventies. The two enjoyed painting oils and watercolor scenes, writing to friends, and took several vacations to see family out of state.

After the death of both Evelyn and Betty Janet, he was coerced to move to Salmon, and be close to Loretta and her husband, J.C.. He enjoyed seeing the beautiful mountains, but was not too excited about the long winters. He continued to write a few poems, and wrote some Letters to the Editor in the Vidorian, and the Salmon paper, Recorder Herald, but never did anymore watercolors. He could complete most Crossword Puzzles in a short time, and was an adept opponent in a Scrabble game.

He is survived by his brother Tommy Sumrall of Beaumont, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He became unable to care for himself in August 2011, and moved into an assisted living quarter at the Discovery Care Center in Salmon, then with health declining even farther he had to move to the skilled nursing side until his death. The body was prepared by the local funeral home, and flown down to Texas for interment in Restlawn Cemetery.

Vidor Memorial Funeral Home will coordinate with Eastgate to have a graveside service, presided by Bro. "Bobby" Edwards for those who would like to attend.

There will be a Memorial Celebration of Life later in the year held at the Chapel of Vidor Memorial. The date and time for the memorial will be announced.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 15, at Restlawn Memorial Park in Vidor under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor.

If you would like to make a memorial donation for Norman, send it to the Discovery Care Center, 600 Shanafelt, Salmon, Idaho, 83467.