Norman Randall Hallmark was born on March 18, 1936 in Dallas, Texas to Pete and Myritie Lynch Hallmark. Mr. Hallmark passed this life in Greenville, Texas on April 5, 2020.
Mr. Hallmark was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Lavon and Malcomb Hallmark, one sister, Edith McNeil and his beloved cousin and caretaker, Jerry Stevens.
Mr. Hallmark leaves behind cousins, Linda Rodgers, Danny Lynch, Doyle Samples, Gail McDaniel and Elaine Gray, and best friend Larry Dodd, whom he loved to dine with daily at their special table in the Legend dining room.
Norman is best described as easy-going, pleasant, and quick-witted friend to all who knew him.
Norman was born, raised and employed in the Dallas area his entire life until he sustained severe injuries in a traffic accident in 2016, which left him unable to continue to care for himself. He then came to Greenville, Texas to call Legend his home.
After graduation from Forrest High in 1954, Norman worked for the city of Dallas as a Surveyor until his retirement in 1987. Norman loved to travel and did so as often as possible. He would load camping gear in his 1969 El Camino and set out to see the country. He enjoyed taking photographs of the amazing country he visited to show his friends and family. Norman’s favorite activity was much closer to home, he loved to attend the great State Fair of Texas each fall. Norman visited the fair numerous times each season for 83 seasons straight. He loved the car shows, enjoyed people watching, but his main concern was eating at many of the famous “Fletcher” corn dogs as he could hold. In the mid 1950’s, while waiting in line for one of those famous corndogs, he said a crowd of screaming girls being to gather near him, not losing his place in line, he was able to peer through the crowd and he quickly recognized Elvis Presley eating a Fletcher’s corndog as well.
Norman was a caretaker, lovingly caring for his mother and brother until each passed. He doted on his three elderly aunts and visited them often.
Norman was a big kid at heart. He always enjoyed being in the company of youth.
Family was important to Norman. He spent many Sundays with Robbie, Juana and the kids. He enjoyed Juana’s cooking and hanging out with them. Norman made the rounds with other cousins as well spending holidays with Linda and Elaine in the Tyler area, Christmas at Tim and Gail’s eating and playing games. He especially enjoyed going with Jerry and Helen to Canton Trades Day, looking around at all the junk, and of course grabbing a couple of corn dogs while he was there.
In later years after moving to Legend, Norman was fond of his little cousin, Hudson who visited him on weekends. Norman made sure to have plenty of M&M’s on hand for Hud. In turn, Hud would introduce Norman to gummy bears, skittles and airheads. The two would talk about race cars that Norman owned and raced in his youth. Norman kept a couple of trophies on display in his room. Hudson would bring his mini car collection to show and share with Norman.
Norman was a very popular and loved residents at Legend. He had a ready smile and funny names for most of the staff. He loved to joke with them as he was walking the halls on his walker. Norman knew every single employee at Legend including nurses, med-aids, housekeeping, dining staff, therapists and the laundry ladies, none of whom he called by their correct names. Most of them visited with him daily and he so looked forward to their visits.
Norman never complained about anything, even in his final days when he was in pain. Norman was grateful for the loving care he received from his caretakers and his cousins, Jerry and Gail.
Norman’s family wishes to thank the entire Legend Staff, Kindred Hospice, Dr. Gina Rushing and Associates and Chaplin Samuel Glenn for their devotion and excellent care of Norman during this difficult time. Each of you are special to us and we could not have completed this journey without you. May God bless you all.
A graveside service will be 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at Wieland Cemetery with Rev. Samuel Glenn officiating. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
We are requesting that you limit the size of the gathering during the viewing due to concerns regarding the current health crisis. Please feel free to come and pay your respects but limit your contact with others as per recommended guidelines from the CDC.
