Norman James Fantop

On April 5, 1940, a ten pound baby boy was born to Gladys Louise Fantop. She named him Norman James Fantop. Norman grew up in the West End. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Luke Baptist Church. He attended and graduated from a two-teacher, two room wooden school in West End; which was then known as Woodcrest Elementary School. Later, he attended Booker T. Washington School which was then located in the 4th Ward area of Houston. As a little boy, he delivered the daily newspapers in West End. As a child, he was eager to work and do for himself. In later years, he was employed at Battlestein's Retail Store. He worked at Memorial Park and operated the golf course for 20 years. He later worked as a Recreational Assistant for 19 years at MacGregor Park's "Homer Ford Tennis Court". While working there, he received many recognitions for good work. Norman retired in 2010 from the City of Houston because of his health. He remained a very dependable worker, kind-hearted, mild mannered, giving person and was one who did not like confusion. He was a "gentle-man" who was loved by family and everyone that knew him. Norman is preceded in death by his mother (Gladys Fantop); grandparents (Deacon Richard Fantop and Deaconess Annie Fantop); one aunt (Erma Walker) and three uncles (Harold Fantop, Leon Fantop and Richard Fantop, Jr.) He leaves to cherish his memories, a devoted and caring aunt (Dolores West), cousin he had part in rearing (Ritchie Walker); special friends (The Newhaus Family) and a host of other relatives and friends.