Steve Norwood
February 26, 1957 – July 27, 2026
How do you put Steve Norwood into a few paragraphs?
The truth is, you really can’t.
Steve was wild. He was funny. He was stubborn, talented, unpredictable, and completely one of a kind. If you knew Steve, chances are you have a story about him—and there’s a pretty good chance it’s a story you probably shouldn’t tell in polite company.
Steve was born February 26, 1957, to Emmitt Anderson Norwood and Gloria Mae (Lawrence) Norwood. He grew up in Riverside, a neighborhood in Orange, Texas, and those roots stayed with him throughout his life.
And then there was the music..
Music wasn’t just something he enjoyed—it was part of who he was. It was his one true passion. He spent his life writing, playing, performing, and entertaining. Give Steve an instrument, a song, a stage, or simply somebody willing to listen, and he was in his element.
He had the soul of a songwriter and the heart of an entertainer. Music gave Steve a way to tell stories, make people feel something, make them laugh, and leave a little piece of himself behind. Long after the last note was played, Steve was still Steve—the guy you remembered.
But as much as music was part of his story, his family and the people he loved were the heart of it.
Steve leaves behind his son, Emmett Ray Norwood of Port Arthur, Texas; Daughters: Niki Monceaux of Groves, Texas; Kaylee Traxler and husband Josh of Orange, Texas; Maelee Norwood and fiancé Esteban Torres of Beaumont, Texas; and Daltonn Norwood and fiancée Kaitlyn of Killeen, Tx. He also leaves behind his grandson, Stedsunn Norwood; step-granddaughter Randah Adams and husband Justin; step-grandson Nikolas Boyett and fiancée Natalie; five great-grandbabies; his sisters, Marie Flory of Groves, Texas, and Linda Leach of Orange, Texas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends, fellow musicians, and more people with a “Steve” story than we could ever begin to count. Steve also leaves behind Linda Smith and her husband, Darren, of West Orange, Texas. Linda, who is Kaylee’s mom, shared a bond with Steve that lasted far beyond their marriage. Linda remained an important part of Steve’s life and his family, and their friendship was one he deeply valued.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Emmitt and Gloria Norwood; his sister, Barbara Lavergne; and his brothers-in-law, Troy Leach, and Dwight Flory.
Steve made one thing very clear long before this day ever came: he did not want a funeral.
He didn’t want everyone sitting around in a quiet room remembering him with sadness. That wasn’t Steve.
Steve wanted a party.
He wanted the people he loved together. He wanted stories being told, laughter coming from across the room, music playing, and people remembering the crazy, funny, beautiful moments that made a life with Steve in it so unforgettable.
So that’s what we’re going to do.
We will gather to celebrate Steve’s life on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 3:30–9:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Orange, Texas.
Come with a story. Come with a guitar, a fiddle, a harmonica or even spoons. Come ready to sing and laugh, because Steve gave us plenty to laugh about. There will be tears—we know that—but we don’t want this day to be defined by them.
We want it to sound like Steve.
We want music.
We want laughter.
We want stories that start with, “You remember that time Steve…”
Steve may have written his last song, but he left all of us with plenty of verses.
So, play the music a little louder, tell the stories one more time, laugh until your sides hurt & raise a glass to the good times.
That’s how Steve wanted to be remembered.
And that’s exactly how we’ll remember him.
We love you, Steve.
Thanks for the music, the memories, the laughter, and one hell of a ride.
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