Funeral services for Seth Emon’e Norwood, 42, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Leo Barbee Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Norwood died Thursday, May 26, 2011, at Stormont-Vail Regional Medical Center.
He was born Aug. 28, 1968, in Wichita, KS. the son of Lafayette and Betty Ann White Norwood. He Attended Lawrence High School and received his associates degree from Johnson County Community College while playing basketball for his father. He received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Communications from Avila College, Kansas City, MO. He continued to play basketball through his college years and was ranked 4th in the nation in free throw percentage in Division II basketball. Later, Seth coached the Kansas 76ers in AAU circuit where his team achieved many honors including a national championship in 1999.
Mr. Norwood worked at Hallmark Cards in Lawrence, Jostens in Topeka, and HP Pehzer in Eudora. At the time of his death he was employed at Amarr Garage Door.
Survivors include two daughters, Ashlyn Rae Norwood and Janae Nicole Norwood, both of Lawrence; his father, Lafayette Norwood, Lawrence; sister, Fayetta Norwood, Nashville, TN; and a brother Cory Norwood, Lawrence; and a Host of relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Norwood, on May 11, 2010.
Friends may view from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Norwood Children’s Educational Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS, 66044.
To Mr. Norwood,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and Ashlyn and Janae. Seth will be deeply missed by his little girls.
May your faith in God give you the strenght to perservere.
Kent and Jane Brown
Mr. Norwood,
I can’t think of anyone who had a more pure love of the game of basketball. After one of our countless pick up games at Holcom…probably 1983…I remember Seth talking about driving to the left. With such passion he said, “if you really want to be able to go to your left, you’ve got to quit using your right hand all together. You’ve got to eat with your left hand, write with your left hand, etc. You’ve got to want it that bad!”
He had a genuine passion for the game that made you always want to head down to the court and hope he was there.
My condolences and prayers go out to the Norwood family.
Kris Weidling (LHS class of ’87)
Mr. Norwood,
My condolences to your entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Chris Leonardi (LHS, 1987)
Lafayette,
We’re are so sorry to hear about Seth’s passing. I have such fond memories of Seth as a little kid dribbling the basketball all over the court, before and after practice, games, or during our down time. He was a joy. You’re in our hearts and prayers.
Hugh (an old assistant coach that learned a lot of life lessons from you)
To the Norwood family and all those closest to him,
Seth was truly a bright light in so many lives. He knew no stranger and left a wonderful, lasting impression on everyone he met. An amazing man with such a bright smile and gentle soul.
He was a true friend of mine and I have great memories that I hold very dear. I am so very very sorry for your loss.
Wishing you peace & strength,
Dawn, Gregg, TK, Teal & Trevin
Lafayette, I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. I know your strength, courage, and faith will help you in this time of sorrow. My thoughts are with you.
Lafayette, So very sorry to hear of Seth’s passing. I will keep you in my paryers. You have been such a good friend over the years. With Sympathy, Jerry Wolfskill
Coach Norwood,
We are so sorry for the loss of Seth. He was always so happy, and fun to be around. He did a great job coaching the basketball team. The boys learned a lot from him on the court and off. He taught them fundamentals, and he taught them how to be a gentleman and how to treat others. We had a lot of fun times together at the games, weddings, and life. We will miss his sweet spirit, dancing, and smiling. We will never forget him.
In the days to come, we pray the Lord will wrap you in His loving arms; and give you a picture of Seth coaching the heavenly basketball team!
God Bless You,
Even though I didn’t know Seth that well in all the years we went to school I remember how cheerful he was….it seemed as if not much ever got him down. He and his radiant smile will be missed!
Dear Coach Lafayette Norwood: My husband and I both attended Heights High School when you were our basketball coach. I graduated in 1977 from WHHS! Infact, my husband Ed played for you on varisty basketball team. Ed remmebers Seth coming to practices and was always amazed of his dribbling abilities at such a young age. We both send our love and friendship to you and your family during this difficult time. I wanted you to know that you made a lasting impression on me while I was attending high school. We will think of you and your family in the days ahead. We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Take care- Ed and Jana Epperly
P.S. You were my golf coach. You tried and tried to teach me how to swing correctly and I just couldn’t get the correct “swing” down. It had nothing to do with your coaching ability or skills – it was my lack of skill that was causing the problems and still causes me problems to this day when I try to play a round of golf!
Just wanted to send my thoughts to Seth’s family and friends. He was a very nice young man. I’ll miss his hugs and on-going support about volunteering with the children of Head Start Pre-School the most. Just remember he’s in a better place up there with God and their both watching over you. To Seth: Rest in peace and may angels lead you in. I didn’t know you long, but in that time I considered you my friend. I not only watch, but I cheer you on. I will remember you always.
I am going to miss you Seth. No matter where I went in Lawrence I seem to always run into your smiling face.
Dear Lafayette and Corey,
My heart is saddend that you both have to experience the loss of a son and a brother. It has been an experience that I hoped no one I knew would ever have to experience. Please know that my family and my parents (Lienhard’s) have you both in our thoughts and prayers. I know that you both will draw strength from God and be the support that the girls need as they grow. We will keep all of you in our prayers!!!
Lafay: Bette & I send our most sincere condolences on your loss. Know that he is in a better place. Our thoughts & prayers are with You & your Family, Warm Regards, Jim
I am sorry to hear that my most worthy “drive-way” basketball opponent is no longer able to come out and play. I am saddend for your loss. My thoughts are with you all at this time.
Micheal Cooper
Dear Coach, I worked and sometimes rode to work with Seth and Stephen to Amarr. If I had been given proper info on his services me and my wife would have been honored to be there. We are both sorry to hear of Seth’s passing and we will earnestly pray that the Lord our GOD Blesses you and your family with comfort and good health.
Coach Norwood and family, I was so sorry to hear of Seth’s passing. I remember fondly playing at your house with Seth and Cory when you lived in Wichita. Our prayers and warmest thoughts are with you.
Dear Uncle, and other family members you have my depest sympathies, It truly is a difficult time for your family, I Pray that you will find peace in the knowledge that through eternal life you will be together again in heaven. Love Ellen Hensler Kruesel(Martha George’s Daughter)
Dear Norwood Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! It is truly a sad day. Seth had so much personality and will be missed but never forgotten.
Love
Todd,Dena,Parker,Cayden,Cooper and Kennedy Nash
Norwood Family-
My deepest condolences go out to you. I had the HONOR of calling Seth a friend. His energy was contagious, and touched anyone who came in contact with him. His trademark hat and laugh will be missed by all who knew him.
Danny Page
Coach Norwood and Fayetta I am so sorry to hear of your loss, and sorry i hadn’t heard of the loss of Mrs. Norwood. Will keep you and your families in my prayers it has been many years but you are still in my thoughts, may God keep you and bless you.
Shirley Hunt -Starks.
Fayetta, my sympathy and prayers go out to you and the family.
Brenda Vance Russell
Heights Class of ’71
My deepest prayers and sympathy to the entire Norwood family. I will always remember Seth’s smile, his laugh, and his fun-loving and caring nature. He was a true free spirit and he will be missed.
– Matt Tarr (LHS ’87), Fort Myers, Fla.
Our deepest sympathies to your family.
Coach Norwood and family,
Seth made a difference in my son’s life. He encouraged and cheered and once even threw his hat in the air! His passing shocks and appalls, but God is greater than our understanding, and Seth is with HIm now. That is a very good thing. Lafayette, my heartfelt condolences go out to you. May your faith in God comfort and sustain you always.
Jennifer Jehle
Lafayette and Norwood Family- When I first moved to Lawrence we were begining our 5th grade year. Seth was the first friend I mad in my new town and at my new school. He ALWAYS had a smile on his face and pep in his step. If he saw that you were having a bad day you could not leave his presence until you smiled and he knew you were ok. Everyone who new him loved him….he will be missed more then, I think, even he would have thought possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless- Kimberly Russell-Wheeler and Family
My deepest sympathies, Seth was loved & known by many. He touched lives & caused many smiles. God bless his children & his family.
I got to know Seth pretty well over the last several months while working with him at Amarr. What a truly genuine and caring person he was. I will remember Seth for his humor, compassion and of course for that booming voice that would come out of seemingly nowhere to brighten our day. He is missed by all that came to know him.
I was very shocked and saddened to hear the news of Seth’s passing. It seems like it was just yesterday when I was in 7th grade and first met Cory and his little brother Seth. May God Bless you and your family during this time of mourning.
Dear Lafayette and the Family,
My heart goes out to you for your loss. I can’t imagine that Seth is gone. Just yesterday, all the boys were out playing trucks under our back deck. What a beautiful bunch of children we had. How lucky to have had that time with them. Seth was a real sweetheart . I know you will miss him every day… He will always be in our hearts. Love and peace, Drenda Tigner
Coach Norwood and Family
We just wanted to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you through this heartbreaking time. Nothing can be said that will ease your pain but we just wanted you to know we are thinking of you. May God bless and keep you and your family in His care now and forever.
With Love
James and Tinita Knight
Coach Norwood and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Denise and I last visited with Seth while we were in Kansas City for the Big 12 Championships. He was as enthusiastic as always and I could not help but remember the “kid” hanging around the gym at KU practices. Seth’s smile and genuine love of life will always be remembered.
With deepest sympathy and our love,
Walt, Denise and Janee’ Wesley
Norwood Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I can’t believe that Seth the man with the heart, the voice and yes the hat, has passed. I will cherish the fond memories of Seth dearly.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Rita Barranco
Topeka, KS
Lafayette and family,
My heart is filled with sadness. Seth was always smiling and will always remain in our hearts. I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember our fun times we had with you and your family. Seth will be missed, but always remembered, like we miss and remember Betty. May God be with you.
Love Judy
My condolences to your family. I (Toby) remember going to a friend’s place and seeing Seth there dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop (Till you get enough). He threw his hat off and it was like he disappeared, when he put it back on it was like he reappeared. I worked with Seth at Amarr, he trained me to be an auditor. We will miss our friend.
I (Chantal) knew Seth since we used to work at Hallmark Cards a long time ago. He always had this magnetic personality. Everyone was drawn to him by his sincerity and his sense of humor. Since then, we have continued to be blessed w/his presence. He has touched many hearts along the way. He’s such a good man and will be missed tremendously.
To the Norwood Family:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. I recall when Tony and I first moved in 4th grade. Seth was the first one to reach out to us and make us laugh and feel welcome. He was always encouraging us and our family. We have many fond memories over the years and he will be sorely missed. Seth is such a positive, energetic soul and his spirit will always live on.
Our deepest sympathy,
Penny, Dwight, and Peyton Ferguson
To the Norwood Family,
Shalaun and I send our deepest condolences to your family. We are sorry for your loss. Shalaun knew Seth from elementary school and I from KU. He was a big supporter of all the guys and was quick with his encouragement. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Seth, but we remember him like it was yesterday. He could make anyone laugh. He will be remembered.
In Love and Rememberance,
Milt and Shalaun Newton
Coach Norwood and Family,
My condolences to your family. He was a special person that made all laugh often on and off the court. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Matt and Amy Sarna
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. RIP. WE LOVE YOU SETH.
Dear Coach, Corey, Ashlynn and Janae,
Our hearts are breaking for your loss. No words can express how much we love and honor you. Our prayers are with you all. May God keep you close though this most difficult time. Seth’s laugh will never, ever, be forgotten. We will see you very soon.
With our deepest love,
Darnell, Cindy and Tierra Valentine
Dear Lafayette,
I’m so sorry to hear about Seth. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts & prayers…I am here if you need anything…
Coach Norwood and family,
My most sincer condolences go out to you and your family. Seth will be missed by all those who’s hearts were touched by his smile and humor. He brought such joy to the many lives that he touched.
With Sympathy,
Scott Belt
My sincerest condolences to the Norwood family. Seth was a great man and his smile and humor will be missed!
With Love,
Donita Riley
Coach Norwood-
Our thoughts, prayers & love are with you & your family!! Seth has left a legacy of wisdom, humor & love of family. Seth always had kind words for my family. He leaves behind many wonderful memories, We will always remember the “lil dude with the hat”! Your grief is shared by many!
With Much Love,
Danny, Julie, Taylor and Evan Manning
So sad to hear of Seth’s passing! I worked with Seth at H.P.Pelzer years ago. He willed be missed!
My condolences and prayers go out to the Norwood family. May God give you the strength in this time of need. Seth will be missed, but that laugh and white hat will never be forgotten.
Eric Gault, KCMO
Mr. Norwood,
My sincerest condolences go out to you and your family! Seth was a sweet, caring and genuine person with the hugest heart! His amazing spirit and soul will forever be missed but truly not forgotten!!!
With Love and Sympathy,
Dawn, Vince and Mackenzi Downing