July 22, 2025

Southwestern University Mourns the Loss of Community Leader

News Summary

The Southwestern University community is grieving the passing of Norman Roe, a cherished alumnus and dedicated United Methodist Minister, who touched many lives throughout his 85 years. Renowned for his literary and historical scholarship, and as a beloved family man, Norman left a significant legacy in Texas and beyond. A memorial service is set to honor his contributions to the community and his unwavering spirit in the face of health challenges.

Austin, TX – Southwestern University and the broader community are mourning the loss of Norman Roe, a beloved alumnus and esteemed community leader, who passed away recently. Norman was 85 years old at the time of his death and left a strong legacy as an ordained United Methodist Minister, an accomplished scholar, and a dedicated family man.

Born on June 7, 1938, in San Angelo, Texas, Norman was the only son of Rev. Allen Gordon Roe and Jane Davis Roe. He demonstrated academic proficiency early, graduating from H.M. King High School in Kingsville, Texas, in 1956. Following family tradition, he pursued higher education at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he earned a degree in English. Norman later expanded his academic journey by becoming a Danforth Scholar at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and obtaining his Masters of Divinity from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. Additionally, he attended Union Seminary in New York City for a semester, further enriching his theological education.

At Southwestern University, Norman met his future wife, Margie Mae McCreless. The couple married on June 18, 1965, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Together, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June 2025, a milestone marked with a toast of ginger ale. They had two sons, Jonathan (born 1967) and Matthew (born 1969), and through their children, the couple welcomed four grandchildren: Davis Rigby Roe, Mary Shannon Roe, William Elias Cryar Roe, and Alena Mae Cryar Roe.

Norman’s career in ministry spanned several Texas communities, where he served as an ordained United Methodist Minister. His work took him to various places, including Combs-Santa Rosa, Austin, La Grange, Corpus Christi, Mason, San Angelo, San Antonio, and Brady, and ended in Universal City. Although he officially retired in 2000, Norman continued his ministry by filling in as an interim pastor until well into his 70s. Throughout his career, he performed countless weddings, funerals, and speeches, also teaching Sunday School classes.

Beyond his ministry, Norman was recognized for his literary and historical scholarship. He had a passionate interest in theology and biographies, often finishing books within days. As a natural musician, Norman played multiple instruments by ear, including the guitar, piano, and bass. His athleticism was notable; he claimed to have invented the “alley oop” basketball play in high school and remained active in competitive tennis until his late 70s. He was well-known for his vast knowledge of sports trivia and was considered one of the smartest individuals in his social circles.

Norman was known for his frugal lifestyle and environmental consciousness, taking satisfaction in conserving resources by turning off unnecessary lights and air conditioning. Even in the face of longstanding health challenges, including prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease, he maintained a positive outlook and adhered to rehabilitation protocols diligently. In addition to his memorable professional life, Norman cherished summers spent at a cabin in Estes Park, Colorado, where he enjoyed climbing peaks with his sons and friends.

He is survived by his wife Margie, their two sons Jonathan and Matthew, and grandchildren Davis, Mary, Eli, and Lena, as well as his sister Glenda Seamons, brother Rev. Grady Roe, daughter-in-law Emily Roe, and several nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Rev. Gordon Allen Roe.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 19, at 1:00 PM at University United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, officiated by Rev. Teresa Welborn. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to favorite philanthropies, particularly those benefiting the environment. Norman Roe’s contributions as a leader, scholar, and community member will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

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