Norman G. DowSeptember 29, 1936 – June 14, 2026A life filled with stories, wisdom, photography, service, laughter and love

Norman G. Dow completed his final journey on Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at the Texas Masonic Retirement Center where he had resided for the last several years. After nearly nine decades of collecting stories, sharing wisdom, making memories, taking photographs, and occasionally offering advice, whether it was requested or not, Norm decided it was time to rest.

Norm was born on September 29, 1936 in Cuero, Texas to William Percy Dow and Effie Adice Lord Dow. He spent his early years in Cuero and Gonzales, Texas where he rode to school on his Shetland pony. He then moved with his family to Penwell, Texas where they lived in oil camp housing and attended school at Crockett Jr. High and subsequently Odessa High School, graduating in 1954. He attended Odessa College after graduation and then joined the United States Army and then the Air Force where he spent the next 8 years in service to his country. Norm spent most of his career in the oilfield, starting at the bottom, in the Texas heat, working his way to VP of Gray Oil Tool before leaving to start his own company serving the oilfield.

In the early 1960’s he was transferred from Odessa, Texas to California where one of his most cherished accomplishments was completed, graduating from Pepperdine University with his Master’s Degree in Business and Finance, to which he would tell you that he attended college when you had to “actually show up, none of that online stuff.”

Following his time in California he settled in the Houston area, splitting his time at his lake house in Coldspring, Texas on Lake Livingston, where he created the most cherished memories with family and friends. He had many loves in his life that included traveling the world, 46 years of love and service to the Masonic Lodge and its appendage bodies where he received the Golden Trowel Award for his work and dedication, but none were more valuable to him than his family.

Norman lived life on his own terms. He lived with passion and conviction. He was known for his quick wit, steady presence, and ability to keep the family together. While he was known to have a quick temper from time to time, those who loved him understood that it came from a place of caring deeply and fighting hard for the people and values that mattered most to him. If Norm believed something was right, he would go down fighting for it—often with a compelling argument to go along with it.

If you were ever looking for Norm, just look behind the nearest camera and there he’d be. Don’t be surprised if he was behind the camera for your grand opening of your business, your graduation, your wedding, your baby’s birth, your confirmation of your Masonic Degrees, and even the occasional court date. It wouldn’t matter if it was a joyous occasion or a trying one, he was there and he was proud to be there.

He leaves behind family and friends who will remember not only his determination and strength, but also his stories, his humor, and his unwavering loyalty. They will miss seeing him behind a camera, hearing his opinions, his voice, and watching him approach life with the same energy and passion that defined him for nearly nine decades.

Norm is survived by his daughter, Melinda G. Dow of Harper, Texas; his son, William (Billy) Dow and wife Juanita of Odessa, Texas. He leaves 9 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, who will miss his laughter, his stories, his wisdom, his voice, and all the little things that made him uniquely him.

Norman also leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lessons learned. While his family is heartbroken to say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that somewhere Norm has the fanciest camera in his hand, taking the most amazing photographs, offering advice to strangers, and keeping everyone entertained with another good story.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and impossible to replace.