Norman Willie Asbell, Sr.

Elder Norman Willie Asbell, Sr., 98, of Blanchard, Louisiana passed away at his home on Monday, October 20, 2014 with family at his side. He was born April 16, 1916 in Trenton, Florida. Services in his honor will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, located at 9382 Primitive Baptist Church Rd., Shreveport, LA 71107. Visitation will begin at 10:00 with services to follow at 11:00. Norman Asbell, Sr was ordained to the gospel ministry on November 9, 1940, at Shady Grove Primitive Baptist Church in Trenton, Florida. He was the faithful and dedicated pastor of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Blanchard, Louisiana for over 50 years. Some of his most treasured moments were spent in the pulpit and at church meetings sharing scripture and wisdom with his friends and congregation. Even in his last days, he not only found joy, but also brought great joy and inspiration to those around him with his interactions with fellow pastors. Norman, affectionately known as "Pop", was a true man of honor, humility, and integrity. He loved unconditionally and was never quick to anger. He not only preached the teachings of God's word, he lived his life accordingly. Pop was a quiet man with subtle wit and humor. He spent a great deal of time in his rocking chair on his back porch thinking and observing, but lit up at the opportunity to share stories of his past and childhood. He was a skillful craftsman and carpenter by trade with tremendous work ethic, maintaining his own garden well into his 90's. Norman Asbell, Sr was a true example of a good, Christian man. His kindness, compassion, wisdom, and grace are commendable and irreplaceable. Norman Asbell, Sr. was preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 78 years, Sallie Thomas Asbell; sons Herman, Preston, and Norman Asbell, Jr.; parents Joe and Carrie Asbell; brothers Monroe, Roy, Ray, and Nugent Asbell; and sister Winforde Asbell. He is survived by his son M.J. Asbell and wife, Gloria; daughter Kay Asbell Perez and husband, John; 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Pop was a unique and honorable man, a diamond in the rough. He always said he tried to live an honorable life in God's will and abiding by His word. He now has his inheritance. "And God shall wipe away tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away," Revelation 21:4. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either St. Jude Children\'s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, or to Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in honor of Norman Asbell, Sr.