It is with deep sadness that the family of Sherman Howard Norton, Jr. announce his passing on February 12th, 2026, at the age of 95. Born August 1, 1930, to Sherman Howard Norton, Sr. and Ruth Livermore Norton in Joliet, IL. Sherman grew up with younger brother Walter Henry Norton in Western Springs, IL. Basketball became his favorite sport playing on the Lyon's Township High School championship basketball team 1945-1948. Following his Uncle George Livermore's footsteps, Sherman attended the University of Oklahoma graduating with a petroleum engineering degree. During his tenure at OU, he was a standout for the Sooner basketball team coached by Bruce Drake and held the single game scoring record of 39 points, a record which stood for 16 years. Another highlight of his basketball career was playing against the Harlem Globetrotters when their tour passed through Lubbock.

Following his college graduation, he moved his wife, Gail Laffey Norton, & his young family to Lubbock, TX and began his journey in the oilfield. F.L. "Pete" Sitton and Sherman started Sitton & Norton Drilling Company in 1957 with the help and encouragement of his uncle, George Livermore. In 1976 he started his own drilling company, Norton Drilling Company, and in 1988 he received the inaugural "Drilling Contractor of the Year" award from the International Association of Drilling Contractors, the drilling industry's premier association. This well-deserved award was a complete surprise to Sherman as his unassuming nature rarely allowed himself to accept praise but rather was more interested in supporting those around him.

In 1978 he married Ronda Swigart and started another chapter of his life. Married for 48 years, Sherman and Ronda were faithful Jehovah's Witnesses.  Sherman found great joy in serving in multiple capacities of service including a prison ministry. Together Sherman and Ronda helped many people from China come to learn the Bible. But when asked what brought him the greatest satisfaction, Sherman always said that it was serving as a member of what is known as the Hospital Liaison Committee of Jehovah's Witnesses. In that capacity he worked with doctors and other medical professionals to assist members of the congregations to receive the best medical care possible as well as comforting the patients along with their families. One of Sherman's favorite scriptural thoughts is found at Revelation 21:4 which reads, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." These beautiful thoughts have even greater meaning for us at this time.

He is predeceased by his father and mother, Howard and Ruth and his brother Walter.  He is survived by his children Barbara Norton, S. Howard Norton, III (Marie), John William (Jay) Norton (Nancy) and Jennifer Swigart Adcock, 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A private graveside service will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations to our worldwide disaster relief work can be made at donate.jw.org