Norman Garwood

On Sunday, April 13th, the gates of Heaven echoed “It looks like he made it”, when Norman C. Garwood, age 83 arrived. If you knew Norman, you knew he knew Jesus. Telling others about our Savior is the mission we all should be about. Norman made witnessing cards of which were found on him his final day at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, where he was a resident, it was his last Mission Field, he was always ready to hand the cards or witnessing coins out as conversation starters about Jesus. He gave generously what God had given him financially, with many ministries & charities he had researched and at times people he was willing to help financially, as well as he sponsored Compassion International Children after his oldest granddaughter Stacy inspired him by her doing so first. He wrote to people in prison, investing in them with truth, and using his love to read and write to them. Norman was a man of prayer and lifted up 75 people on a daily basis in prayer.

Norman was born on December 23rd, 1941, to Buford & Velma (George) Garwood. He grew up in Nevada Mo. Graduating from Nevada High School in 1960. He married Frances (Bullock) in July 1961. To their union two daughters were born, Sandra “Sandy” and Gina. Norman went to Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas to get his education degree in mathematics. He referred to himself as a number’s nerd. He worked long hours at the Good Year Tire Factory to afford college and support his family. Later he earned his master’s degree from PSU. He taught at Eldorado Springs and then at his alma mater Nevada High School. Believing his students should earn their grades, and expecting good classroom behavior, and if necessary “The board of education be applied.” He later used his math to teach at Grace Place and tutor his daughters and others.

In 1971 Norman & Frances moved their family to Golden City, Mo. There he and his brother Charles built Golden City Meat Co. Shortly after they bought Charles’s share of the business. He and Frances spent many sleepless nights building the integrity of the business while paying the price tag on such a venture that lasted 15 years. Their staff were loved like family. One Norman quote we heard, and he lived “It’s hard to work for a lazy Boss.” Norman set the bar high leading by example in that there wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t ask employees or daughters to do he wouldn’t do himself. He expected hard work, good effort, and honesty. If he didn’t live up to his word to a deadline to a customer, he took the financial loss himself. Another Norman quote “Durable, Practical, Affordable and Beautiful" were his criteria on projects. He knew the importance of making things to last in his work. Some of Norman’s volunteer projects were working at Baptist Hill to construct a sewer system that involved blasting rock and going off DNR Blueprints, later constructing a water slide & pool, then at the AGAPE Boys School & Housing he & others constructed another sewer system. He was happiest when doing a hard physical project which he applied his criteria and was always all in. As mentioned appearance was last, he bought a truck one time at a yard sale and painted it black with a paint brush calling it “The Mule” and later a black van was bought he named the “Possum Van” he loaded with his tools and a sleeping bag so he could extend whatever project he might be on. He even had a stew he named “Sewer Water Stew” in which daily he added yet another can of vegetables to extend it to another day. One could even say his clothing choices reflected this motto of appearance last.

Norman was an avid reader, enjoyed writing, one on one conversations, discussing the Bible, podcast, and laughing. Grandkids were awakened on birthdays with him beside their bed in a clown wig and blowing a party horn. Others also experienced disturbing sightings and songs on birthdays.

Not everything we try in life or that happens to us are successful outcomes. Some are choices we make, and others are just hard circumstances. Norman could tell you the trial of going through cancer, living with neuropathy, emotional pain in two divorces, and no longer being able to drive or live independently. But even these things when given to God can be used by Him. Good Shepherd has been one of these special blessings in our family’s life as they loved and ministered to our Dad this last year and a half. We are truly thankful to this wonderful group of caring people.

Norman is survived by his daughters, Sandy & (Jerry) Stansberry, Gina & (Larry) Reed, former wife Frances Fuerst, brother George “Bill” & wife (Lisa) Garwood, grandchildren: Sarah & (Brian) Obermann, Jordan & (Jessica) Stansberry, Isaac Reed and fiancé (Kenzie Pink), and grandson in law Jeremy Goodchild; great grandchildren: Riley & Jade Cochran, Noah, Dawson, & Cameron Obermann, and Addi Reed.

Preceding him in departing: granddaughter Stacy Goodchild, parents Buford & Velma Garwood; brothers, Lee Garwood, Charles Garwood, sisters: Marge Lundien, and Shirley Hendrix.

Whether you knew Norman as a dad, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, grandfather, teacher, boss, collaborator on a good project, would you honor him by paying these good qualities forward in someone else’s life.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Lockwood First Baptist Church in Lockwood, MO.

A visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Lamar, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Baptist Hill Assembly.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.