Toungate

Norman Uel “Buddy” Toungate, 74, of Round Rock, passed away on July 12, 2023 in La Grange.

Norman was born in Austin on Dec. 14, 1948 as the youngest child and only son of Margaret (Hickman) and Uel E. Toungate.

After attending McCallum High School in Austin, Norman joined the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam. While enlisted in the Marine Corps, Norman married Joyce Evelyn Miears on Feb. 28, 1970, and together had two children, Clayton and Denise.

Following his time in the Marine Corps, Norman began his career with the Austin Police Department where he served as a patrolman, motorcycle patrolman and accident investigator during his 26year career. After his retirement from Austin, Norman worked as a Deputy Constable in Williamson County for several years. Norman continued working throughout his life in various fields culminating in his final position doing maintenance work for Kenmar Residential Services in La Grange, ensuring that the extraordinary individuals served by this program had the best possible homes.

Norman lived a life of service, not only through his military and police associations, but also through his many outside interests. Norman was a coach and board member of the Round Rock Sertoma Girls Softball Organization in the 1990s and early 2000s; an actively involved member of his local Marine Corps League in Williamson County, as well as their Devil Dog group, the Austin Police Retired Officers Association, and Williamson County Crime Stoppers. Norman was also an actively involved member of his church, Faith Baptist Church of Round Rock, where he served on the church board, taught Sunday School, and volunteered in many church activities including Vacation Bible School and Holiday food drives to feed families in need.

Norman kept an active social schedule once retired and enjoyed spending time with the many friends he had made throughout his life and career. Norman came from a large family and counted many of his cousins as his closest friends, enjoying their time driving the country side seeking out new places to eat, swapping old stories, and playing dominoes. He also kept up with many of his high school classmates and fellow police officers and their families, meeting up regularly for meals and shenanigans.

Norman was a family man at his core and his devotion to his kids and grandkids was evident every day. He travelled from his home in Round Rock to La Grange several times a week to make sure he saw his grandkids and make their sporting events. He was always one proud Papa. Norman made a point to stay close with many of his nieces and nephews and their families, enjoying every long-winded conversation or minute he could spend with them. He relished the fact that he not only was an uncle, but greatuncle, and great-great uncle with each generation, bringing greater love and joy to his life.

Widowed at a young age, Norman went on to marry two more times in his life. Although neither marriage stood the test of time, his love of the blended families he created endured through his stepchildren. Norman kept tabs on his step-daughters throughout the years, praying for them and wishing the best for them in life. He remained in contact with his step-son, Michael Matusiak of Cedar Park, often bragging about him always being the first to wish him a happy Father’s Day. Throughout his life Norman came to think of many of the children of his friends or that he had coached as his “adopted” kids, and those special relationships brought joy to his life.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Uel and Margaret, his wife, Joyce, and his sisters, Mae Glass, Mary Birch, Lillie Hawley, Margaret Toungate, and Sue Keith and her husband G.W. Keith.

He is survived by his children Clayton Toungate of Round Rock, and Denise Gray and husband Ken of La Grange; grandchildren Katie Gray, John Gray, Morgan York (Travis), Kellyn Gray, and Heather Gray; greatgrandchildren Ethan Cowart and Devyn York; as well as several nephews, nieces, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 18, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Beck Funeral Home, 15709 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin Tx 78717.

Services will be held in Beck Funeral Home, 15709 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin Tx 78717, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 9 a.m. Interment will follow at 11 a.m. in The Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine Corps League of Williamson County at https://www.mclwilco1022. org/ or to Faith Baptist Church of Round Rock at https://myfaithbc. org/give.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Beck Funeral Homes & Cremation in Austin.