Norman Russell Gigstead

Norman Russell Gigstead (June 18, 1933 - July 19, 2025)

Norman Russell Gigstead passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 92 years in Corpus Christi, Texas. Norman was born on June 18, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, to Russell William Gigstead and Esther Marie Paulsen Gigstead.

Norman Gigstead was a self-made man. After graduating from Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, Norman got a job at Kelly Field Air Force Base washing airplanes. Norman later moved to Corpus Christi to work and began working at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. When the Naval Air Station closed, he went to work with the FAA and worked at the Corpus Christi International Airport. The FAA provided Norman the training to become an electronic technician working with radar.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary Gigstead, his son, Darrell Norman Gigstead, and his daughters, Deborah Ann Bishop, Cynthia Lynn Bellows (Paul), and Norma Jean Stokes. Norman is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Deanna Marie Schulte (Randy), Jennifer Kay Williams (Marty), Melissa Elaine Kaulfus (Jonthan), Stephanie Janet Ryals (Kenneth), Paul Wellington Bellows II, Jamie Lynn Hernandez (Josh), Timothy Alan Bellows, Shelly Jean Garcia (Juno), and Andrea Jane Hovda (Haedan), and 15 great grandchildren. Norman is preceded in death by his father, Russell William Gigstead, and his mother, Esther Marie Paulsen Farr. Norman is also survived by his brother William Seffel of Las Vegas, NV.

Services are scheduled for Friday, July 25, 2025, with visitation from noon to 1:00 PM and service at 1:00 PM at Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland, Texas. Graveside service will follow at The Palms Memorial Gardens in Portland.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com