Norman Edward Southgate

Norman Edward Southgate died Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Sierra Blanca Nursing Center in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 86 years old. Norman was born on May 29, 1926 in Manahawkin, Ocean County, New Jersey to the late Franklin Benjamin and Martha (Lawrance) Southgate. At the age of 16, Norman enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 8, 1943 during the height of WWII. He served bravely for more than 4 years, and married the love of his life Patricia Jones on March 22, 1947 in Yuma, Arizona, before he received his honorable discharge in May of 1947. Following his release from the military, Norman began working for the Mobil Oil Company. He sailed oil tankers, literally, around the world. In September of 1950, he was recalled back to The U.S. Navy and served another tour of duty during the Korean War. He received his final discharge from the Navy in January of 1952. When he returned home, Norman continued working for the Mobil Oil Company for another 15 years. Later, he worked a shore job laying pipeline from Texas to New York and took great pride in everything he did and was able to retire in 1985. After he retired, Norman moved to Arizona, where he has since resided. He began to build beautiful oak furniture and other crafts to sell. He was a master craftsman and truly loved working wood and metal with his hands. Many of his creations can be found in homes throughout the White Mountains and are considered to be priceless treasures by their owners. Norman also enjoyed taking photos with others. During his lifetime, he amassed a collection of thousands of pictures with the people that mattered the most to him. Norman felt a sense of community and always found ways to give of his time in service to others. He was a lifetime member of the F&A Masons in Stafford Township, New Jersey where he was a Master Mason. He also volunteered for its fire department for many years and is still considered a life member there. This giant of a man will be missed by many but, none will miss his warm and gentle ways more than his family. Norman is survived by his wife, Patricia Southgate of Show Low, Arizona; his daughter, Janis Keil of Show Low, Arizona; 2 grandchildren: Scott (Anna) Keil of Show Low, Arizona, Tiffany (Robert) Amburgey of Payson, Arizona; his brother, Robert (Lillian) Southgate of Lakewood, New Jersey; 4 great-grandchildren and is also survived by his beloved basset hound, PeeWee. Along with his parents, Norman was preceded in death by his 2 sisters: Myrtle Bachman and Martha Crammer. A memorial service for Norman will begin 6:00 P.M., December 1, 2012 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona.