John Thomas “Pa” Norton, Sr., 63, of China, died Tuesday, April 23, 2013. He was born on November 4, 1949, in Beaumont, to Erna Rose Enderle Norton and Willard Norton, and had been a lifelong resident of the Nome and China area. John was an oil field engineer with Oceaneering International Incorporated.

He is survived by his sons, John Thomas Norton, Jr. of China and Christopher Michael Norton, Jr. and his wife, Crystal, of Kountze; brother, Jim Norton of Houma, Louisiana; grandchildren, Hailey Norton, Sarah Norton, Caylin Norton, and Chloe Norton; special friend, Elizabeth Ann Robinson and his loving dogs, Jack and Maggie.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Wilcox; and his parents.

A gathering of Mr. Norton’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2013, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Claybar Haven of Rest Cemetery, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dominican Sisters of Houston, 6501 Almeda Drive, Houston, Texas 77021.