Wayne Norwood

Wayne Norwood was born January 24, 1941 in Robert, La. to Luda Mae and Willie Norwood and passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 84 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was a devoted husband of 40 years to his wife Debbie, who stood by his side through all of life's challenges and joys. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. As an amazing father, he was deeply proud of his children, instilling in them his values of his hard work, integrity, and compassion. His role as "Paw-paw" to his grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them, attending their events and always telling them Paw-paw stories.

He was a dedicated public servant and served in the Korean War in theUnited States Army, where he won the U.S. National Karate Championship in 1960. He then joined the Hammond Police Department in 1962 to 1964. Later the Hammond Bureau of Investigations. He was a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Deputy from 1968 to 1979, graduating from the 92nd Session of the FBI Academy. From 1984 to 1999 Wayne worked as a deputy for the St. John Parish Sheriff's Office before joining Chief Layrisson as a Reserve Officer for Ponchatoula P.D., ending his police career.

As a passionate historian, Wayne was the visionary behind the Louisiana Treasures Museum. Here, he proudly displayed his treasures found along the lakeshore of Lake Pontchartrain and the towns of Ruddock, Napton, Wagram, and Frenier. He wrote and published the book "The Day Time Stood Still " about the hurricane of 1915, which destroyed these towns, as well as authoring many articles for local newspapers. The museum was not to be completed without his memorial to all the fallen law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty in Louisiana. The "Gone But Not Forgotten Wall" was his way to keep their memories alive.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Debbie; his children, Krystal O'Hara (Mike), Michael Norwood (Ashley), Rhonda Hughes (Ellis), Connie Aranyosi (David); and grandchildren, baby Angel Mia Ruth O'Hara, Mali, Milanni and Kaleb O'Hara, Rilynn and Kaitlynn Norwood, Blane Aranyosi, Ellie, Dylan and Tyler Hughes, and Gary Poolson.

Wayne's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and with the help of those who promise to continue his quest for treasures from the past, Gene Coumes, Eric Young, and Jim Creel.

Family and friends are invited to attend the services on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula, 325 East Pine Street, Ponchatoula, LA, from 10:00 AM until the service at 2:00 PM. Burial to follow in the Louisiana Treasure's Cemetery. Dr. David Cranford officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Treasures Museum so that Wayne's legacy will live on.