Norman Waddell

Charles “Norman” Waddell, 85 year-old, longtime Seminole, Oklahoma resident passed from this life Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at his home in Seminole.  He was born June 21, 1924 in Okemah, Oklahoma to parents Bonny (Williams) Waddell and Elmer Waddell. Norman graduated from New Lima High School in 1941.  He then served in the United States Army during World War II earning the rank of Private First Class; he was also a Ranger in Burma China.  He served in the Army from April 1, 1943 until January 17, 1946 earning the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Norman started working in the oilfield in 1947 for American Manufacturing Company. He later worked for three years for Sargent Engineering. On August 14, 1948 Norman married the love of his life, Lola Jean Pace in Odessa, Texas.  This union began a storybook life for the couple.  Norman started an oil company in 1966 called Waddell Lease Service, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2001.  During his busy life Norman went on to attend Seminole Junior College because of his strong commitment to education. Norman was also proud of the fact that he had lived in many different cities including; Odessa, Texas; Wichita Falls, Texas; Hobbs, New Mexico; Great Bend, Kansas; Norman, Oklahoma; and his favorite of all Seminole, Oklahoma. Norman will be best remembered for his love of God, family and friends.  It was not unusual to drive by his place of business and see the grill fired up and a group of people standing by ready to eat.  He always enjoyed having family gatherings and was always glad to serve as the chef.  His love for God was so evident through his faithfulness at the Seminole First Baptist Church where he was a longtime member. Norman had served the Lord in many different capacities at the Church.  He had served as a Deacon, as well as many different committees and boards, and of course he was also very dedicated in helping to prepare food for his church family. As Norman’s family continued to grow in numbers, his love seemed to triple.  His grandchildren lovingly called him “Bobba” and he always made sure that they knew they were loved. Sadly his wife of 55 years, Lola Waddell preceded him in death on November 13, 2003.  Norman is also preceded in death by his parents and one great-granddaughter, Jillian Quintero, who died of SIDS on January 23, 2004. Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Janet Waddell of Seminole, Oklahoma, Keith and Leanne Waddell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Todd and Brooke Waddell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one daughter, Mariann Waddell of Denton, Texas; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Amie and Jason Quintero, Chris and Terrie Waddell, Kara Waddell, Marci and Trent Talbot, Turner Waddell, Natalie Waddell, Carson Waddell and Conner Galloway; six great-grandchildren, Kallie, Sidney, Luke, Cash, Cole and Callee; special friends, Steve and Linda Davidson of Seminole, Oklahoma; and a host of other dear family and friends. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Seminole, Oklahoma.  Russell Vicars will officiate the service.  Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole with Military Honors. The family has requested that donations be made to the Seminole State College Education Foundation, for student scholarships, In memory of Norman Waddell at P.O. Box 351, Seminole, Oklahoma 74818, or to the charity of your choice. Casket Bearers will be; Larry Waddell, Keith Waddell, Todd Waddell, Chris Waddell, Jason Quintero, Conner Galloway, Bob Swearingen, Beau Swearingen and Steve Davidson. Honorary Bearers will be; Luke Waddell, Carson Waddell and Turner Waddell. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: May 15, 2010, 11:00 AM Seminole First Baptist Church located at 420 Reid Street, Seminole, OK 74868