An Evansville native, Norm grew up with an innate love of sports, which he shared with his family and community. He attended Bosse High School where he was a proud member of the 1944 and 1945 State Basketball Championship teams. After high school, he was offered a contract with a major league baseball team, the St. Louis Browns. He chose, instead, to play basketball at Purdue. In 1950, Norm played in the National Professional Basketball League. One of his favorite memories was defeating the Harlem Globetrotters in 1951!
Eventually, Norm was called home to work for the family business, Coca-Cola Bottling Works. He was happy to do so, and saw this as an opportunity to make a difference in his community. In 1992, Norm was awarded “Man of the Year” by the Friends of Bosse Field for his many contributions to youth sports in Evansville. From coaching, to building concession stands, to sponsoring the high school soccer programs, Norm was involved. He wanted every child to have the opportunity to play a team sport.
He gave his support to the Evansville Museum, Shanklin Theatre, Evansville Civic Theatre, Carson Center, Special Olympics, and the Deaconess Foundation. His memberships included; Phi Gamma Delta, Tri-State Athletic Club, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, Tennis Hall of Fame, Central Turners, Rolling Hills Country Club, Roberts Stadium Board, UE Presidents Club, and Aldersgate UMC.
His retirement years kept him busy with wood-working, attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities, tennis and golf, loving his dogs, and enjoying music. He loved everything from Opera to Bluegrass to Rock and Roll! He was a great storyteller and had a million to tell.
Norm’s greatest joy was creating wonderful memories for his family and the city he loved. He was a generous man, a great Dad, and a loyal friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David; sister, Eleanor Fisher; and brother, Ralph McCool.
He is survived by his bride of 73 years, Maxey (McGowan); sons, Michael (Belle Anne) and Jim; daughter, Cary Gray (Michael); grandchildren, Christopher, Jason, Patrick, Jessica, Nick, John, Sara, Daniel, Ryan, and Olivia; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A Private Family Ceremony was held on Friday, July 8, 2022 and was followed with entombment at Alexander Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warriors or your favorite animal shelter.
