Palestine High School Alumni Association

Norman Dale “Hambone” Waldon passed away in the arms of his loving wife on Tuesday, January 19, 2016. He spent his final days immersed in love and prayer, surrounded by family and friends. He was 66 years young.

Norman was born in Houston in 1949 to Arvis (A.W.) and Virginia Waldon. He moved with his family to Montalba, in Anderson County, as a very young child. It was about this time that his dad started calling him “Hambone,” after seeing him mimic a popular musical group by the same name. His love of music would never fade, and the name stuck with him for the rest of his life. Norman was a 1968 graduate of Palestine High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly thereafter. He served two distinct and honorable tours in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star with Valor and various other awards and decorations. After the Army, Norman returned to Texas and began a life-long career as a telephone repairman, initially working for Southwestern Bell and eventually retiring with Sprint/Embark.

Norman was a man of many wonderful traits. He was a devout Christian, a self-taught musician, a loyal friend, and a subject matter expert concerning all things rock and roll. He had a music collection that would rival the Library of Congress, and he could quickly name a song and its artist after listening to you hum a few out-of-tune bars. Chances are he could also play it for you on the guitar, if you were willing to sing along. If there was one thing Hambone loved more than family and music, it was a bad cup of coffee and a warm conversation with anyone who could spare the time. He had a great sense of humor and a really big heart, and he loved to share both with everyone he knew.

Norman is preceded in death by his father and mother, A.W. and Virginia Waldon. Norman is survived by his wife Dana of Palestine, his daughter Jamie King of Palestine, daughter Brooke Jackson and husband Richard of Palestine, his son Dale Waldon and wife Julie of Fort Worth, and his daughter Daynette Strong and husband Jeff of Nacogdoches. Hambone is also survived by his brothers Arvis Waldon, Tommy Waldon, Jerry Waldon, Richard Waldon, and Paul Waldon, and his much-adored little sister, Norma Mullican. He is survived by his grandchildren Logan Brown, Jonah Ellison, Sarah Ellison, Ashley Waldon, Kari Missildine, Skye King, Gavin King, Isaiah King, William Waldon, Ella Thomas, Zaylee King, Braylen Jackson, Silas Waldon, Lane Light, and Presley Light. Finally, Norman is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, who loved Old Hambone and will miss him dearly.

Norman’s memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m., this Saturday (January 23rd), at Court Drive Church of Christ in Palestine, Texas. Lunch will be provided in the fellowship hall following the service, and all are invited to attend. Arrangements are under the direction of Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home.

Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home Website – 01 / 22 / 2016