Allen Lawson Norton left his earthly body and entered his Heavenly home on January 23, 2026, at the age of 76, at his residence in Mt. Selman, Texas, with the love of his life, his devoted wife, Ava by his side. Allen and Ava shared 48 wonderful years together.

Affectionately known as “Norton” to friends and family, Allen was born on May 18, 1949, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to William “Bill” Allen Norton and Rosine Johnson Norton. He graduated from Rusk High School in the Class of 1967, continued his education at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas (Class of 1969), and completed his academic journey at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, earning a master’s degree in Business Education with honors in 1972.

Allen devoted more than 30 years of his life to education in Deep East Texas. He began his career with Lufkin Independent School District, teaching typing at Junior High East and serving as a Driver’s Education instructor. When not in the classroom, he could often be seen before and after school safely maneuvering buses through traffic, ensuring children arrived to and from school as a bus driver in addition to his education duties. In 1991, Allen served for two years as Principal of Corrigan-Camden Junior High before completing his career as Assistant Principal at Lufkin High School. He was a respected educator and mentor who truly loved working with young people.

Outside of his professional life, Allen was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed deer hunting. He and Ava loved traveling together in their RV, hiking, and bicycling. He stayed busy with home projects and woodworking, creating many things by hand. Allen also enjoyed sharing the knowledge and experiences he gained through his travels with anyone eager to learn.

Allen will be remembered for his gracious spirit, kind heart, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ava Norton; his brother, James Stanley Norton of Mt. Selman, Texas; his sister, Karen Folmar and husband James of Mt. Selman, Texas; his mother-in-law, Susie Conner of Jacksonville, Texas; his brother-in-law, Tommy Conner and wife Michele of Lufkin, Texas; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is also survived by his beloved fur babies: Bandit, Gabby, Trex, Cooney, and Chloe.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rosine Norton, of Rusk; his sister, Janie Bobbitt, of Rusk; and his brother-in-law, Johnny Conner, of Lufkin, Texas.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice, especially Nicole and Kendra, for their compassionate care and support.

Cremation services are entrusted to Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Bullard, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in memory of Allen Lawson Norton.