Few men can say that they took midnight horseback rides, crashed a plane (and numerous vehicles), earned the title Sensei, and were appointed to run a state agency. But such is the story of Norman Darwin's extraordinary life that ended on July 21, 2026 at the well-lived age of 87 when he passed on to his next adventure. An obituary is insufficient to capture the scope of Norman's life, but we're going to try.

Norman was born in Waco, Texas to Coneta Jean and RB Darwin and was the older brother to Robert "Bubba". After several moves as a child, he graduated from Tyler High School in 1956, followed by college at his beloved TCU in 1960 where he made lifelong friends and Kappa Sig brothers. From 1960-1968, he was commissioned in the U.S. Army and served on active and reserve duty. After working for Teneco, Norman attended and graduated from Texas law school and received his law license in 1963. Soon after, he moved back to Fort Worth where he had two sons, Curt and Todd, and began his law career in downtown Fort Worth before moving his office to Jacksboro Highway.

In 1975, Norman met the love of his life, Carol Ann, at Finley's cafeteria in Fort Worth. Norman would say that when "CA" walked in the door, he immediately fell in love with her. A fortuitous change of a license plate in an apartment building parking lot helped Norman get a date with CA, and the rest they say, is history. Carol Ann stood beside Norman as his "bride" and she ensured that he lived with dignity and was wonderfully cared for through the very end.

In 1979, Norman and CA welcomed their baby girl, Britt. Norman and Britt shared a special bond that few fathers and daughters share. He challenged her daily, as she was "just a little girl." She took his challenges to heart, leading to her future success as a graduate of All Saints Episcopal School in Fort Worth, TCU, and then SMU law school. Nothing made Norman smile wider than Britt.

Norman made his career as an attorney representing injured workers in workers comp cases and was Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law. He often said – "the law is my life" – and he meant it. He built his own practice from the ground up. He believed his office and second home on Jacksboro highway served as a connection to his client base – where he was "a man of the people." He was Past President of the Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association and also served as Director Emeritus. When the State of Texas came looking for an attorney to run its new Office of Injured Employee Counsel in 2006, Norman's name landed at the top of the list. Norman split time between Austin and Fort Worth late in his career; the records are unclear, but it's believed he may be one of only a few to lead a state agency from a trailer home.

Britt and CA remained the most important people in Norman's life until 2011, when Norman's granddaughter, Rhylan Finn, was born. Rhylan immediately became the favorite. Gramps was her favorite too. She regularly beat Gramps in staring contests and Wheel of Fortune. He was happy to let her win. He let her crack confetti eggs on his head every Easter. He marveled at her artistic flair. He applauded every performance like it was at Radio City Music Hall. He was her biggest fan.

Norman's quest for knowledge was endless. His curiosity often led to harmless obsessions. He held a multi-engine pilot's license with instrument and aerobatic certifications. He was a tenth degree in jiu jitsu who also knew how to brew the best tea, shoot a bow and arrow, and enjoy a daily happy hour where you could discuss the obscure details of the Bible or the secrets of the JFK assassination. He lived a very full life surrounded by family and friends who loved to laugh with him. Did we mention he beat cancer and Parkinson's? We'd need a novel to tell his full story. And that's a life well lived.

Norman leaves behind his loving wife Carol Ann; his daughter Britt and her husband Sean, along with his beloved granddaughter Rhylan; his son Todd and his family; his brother, nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends. Norman had amazingly wonderful caregivers, but most specifically Bailey McWhirter who supported both Norman and Carol Ann through his last six years in the progression of his Parkinsons. Bailey became Norman's best friend and the family loves her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a story and a hug with a loved one, pour a cold beverage of choice, and support your local honkytonk. That's what Norman would have wanted.

For those who wish to honor Norman's memory through charitable giving, donations may be made to  Punching Out Parkinsons  or to the Zach Muckleroy Scholarship. Make check payable to: TCU Frog Club. P.O. Box 297140, Fort Worth, TX 76129. In the memo Line put: "Zach Muckleroy Scholarship in memory/honor of Norman Darwin." Or go to:  Make a Gift to TCU  . Select "Other Designation" Designation Name: "Zach Muckleroy Scholarship, in Memory of Norman Darwin."

Norman's Celebration of Life will be held at  3 W Venue  , 639 Reese Loop, Azle, Texas 76020, on September 13 from 4-7 PM.