Richard Norwood

Richard Colvin Norwood was born on March 25, 1943, to Burdette and Isoline Norwood. He was their second son and third child. Richard was a graduate of Pelican High School class of 1963.After graduating from high school he continued working for Knippers Motor Company in Mansfield as a mechanic until he joined the Army Reserve. After completing his training in the Army Reserve at Fort Polk, in Leesville, Louisiana and Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, he continued training on weekends and two weeks each summer at various locations.

Richard worked for a number of years at Hendrix Manufacturing in Mansfield as a welder. During his employment at Hendrix, he began dating Jeanette Valentine and they were married on Christmas Eve 1966.

Richard later worked for Brown and Root during the construction of the Mansfield International Paper Company facility in Mansfield, Louisiana. When General Motors came to Shreveport, Richard changed jobs and worked for General Motors for 20 years, retiring on August 1, 2006.

Richard was “Mr. Fix It” for all types of things. He could work on cars, trucks, and tractors. He could do some plumbing jobs and home maintenance. He enjoyed woodworking, making small objects like candle holders for the home. He also made some items by welding. Some in the community liked to just get Richard’s opinion before they tackled a project.

During Jeanette’s illness he became her caregiver for many years. After her passing in December 2023 Richard was lonely, depressed and just really missed her and their life together. It would be only a few months before his health began to decline and he felt he could not continue to live without her by his side.

Richard is survived by one brother, Jerry Norwood and wife, Maxine of Shreveport, Louisiana and one sister, Dianne Norwood Worth of Mesquite, TX. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Joyce Valentine Bedsole and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Nadine Norwood Reed of Shreveport, Louisiana and brother, Ronald Glenn Norwood of Catuna, Louisiana.

There will be a visitation prior to the services from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield, Louisiana.

Graveside services will be held at Pelican Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024.