Norman Elwyn Hooton

Norman Elwyn Hooton, 89, passed away on September 27, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Norman was born September 23,1935 to James Roy and Virginia Aline Hooton in Hughes Springs, Texas. He was raised in Avinger, Texas through his graduation from Avinger High School in 1953.

Norman was recruited to play basketball at The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a four-year scholarship athlete in basketball from 1953-1957, and a three-year letterman. During his junior year, Norman was on the Southwest Conference All-Star Team that played against the USA Olympic team the summer of 1956. Norman also led the Longhorns as Co-Captain during his senior season.

He was recruited out of college to play for the US Army National Traveling Basketball Team, stationed in Fort Lee, Virginia, and played other top college teams around the nation. He was honorably discharged as Captain in 1961. He was in the Reserves from 1961-1966.

Norman graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education in 1958, and a Masters of Education in 1960. Norman coached at St. Stephens Episcopal School, Lamar Middle School, and was Head Basketball Coach at Travis High School from 1961- 1967. Additionally, Norman officiated Division 1 college basketball for 20 years.

In 1968, Norman entered the financial services and insurance brokering business for over two decades until his retirement in 1995. At that time, he again coached at Karnack and Lexington High Schools. Norman is still known as ‘Coach’ to his many student-athletes he taught and mentored even decades after his athletes graduated.

Norman also impacted the lives of countless younger athletes by founding the North East Austin Youth Association, which partnered with Capital City Youth Basketball and Delwood Optimist to provide more opportunities for youth sports. A memorial fund has been set up in his name.

Norman closely followed Longhorn athletics, his grandchildren’s athletics and adventures, and loved gardening, reading and spoiling his beloved pets.

Norman is survived by his wife Wanda Bates Hooton, daughter Lori Hooton Toungate (Jay), son Lance Hooton (Kimberly), step-children Sammy Higginbotham (Pam), Dennis Higginbotham (Cindy), Lisa Carter (Brian), Danny Bates (Lynn), grandchildren Lane Toungate, Lauren Toungate, Aaron Hooton and Brooklyn Hooton, 15 step-grandchildren and 17 step-great grandchildren.

Norman’s Celebration of Life will be Friday October 11, 2024 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N Lamar Blvd, Austin Texas. Visitation with the family is from 2:00 to 2:45. Memorial Service is from 3:00 - 3:45.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Norman E. Hooton Memorial Fund with Delwood Optimist to provide player’s scholarships through this link: https://friends.delwoodsports.org/donations/hooton-fund/