John Thomas Norwood, 85, of Hamshire, passed away December 28, 2009 at Hermann Memorial Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.

A native of Magnet, Mr. Norwood was born April 23, 1924 to Lucy and Lum Norwood, and lived the past fifty years in Hamshire.  He was a retired diesel mechanic for Texas Gulf Sulfur, and served in the Hamshire Volunteer Fire Department.  He continued to be very active in the First Baptist Church of Hamshire in a variety of organizations and activities.

He is survived by his daughter Patricia Stepan and her husband Jerry of Fannett, granddaughter Jessica Sanders and her husband Casey of Fannett, grandson Jeremy Stepan and his wife Chantal of Hamshire, and great-grandson Carson Sanders.

Preceding him in death are his wives Dolly and Francis, and six sisters and one brother.

Mr. Norwood’s funeral service will be Thursday, December 31 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church of Hamshire.  Burial will be Thursday at 3:00 pm at Evergreen Cemetery in Wharton.  A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Hamshire, 25304 Hwy 124, Hamshire, TX 77622, or Hamshire Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 153, Hamshire, TX 77622.