William S. House

William Scott House of Wharton, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 10, 2025, with his wife, Norma Jean, by his side. Scottie was born in Seminole, Oklahoma on July 11, 1929, making him 96 and a half years old at the time of his passing. He was the son of William Edward House and Elsie Pittman, both of whom preceded him in death.

In addition to his parents, Scottie was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Elizabeth Jean House Evans. He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Norma Jean; daughter Carol Newton (husband Bill) of Bay City, TX; daughter Patty Salsky (husband Richard) of Tonasket, WA; and grandchildren Kelsie Brown (Bryan) of Bay City, TX, Dr. Will Newton (Julie) of Temple, TX, Marissa Wendel (Jeff) of Bay City, TX, Dr. Micah Newton (Carla) of Temple, TX, Chalee Mills of Missoula, MT, and Riel Mills of Grants Pass, OR. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Karly, Kenzie, and Kalli Brown; William and Kai Newton; Hunter and Jasmine Vuong; Mason, Marleigh, and Maddox Wendel; Nora and Nolan Newton; and Louis Franklin.

At the age of twelve, Scottie moved to Houston, Texas, to live with his grandparents, the Pittman family, and attended school in the Heights area. At sixteen, he began working for Schlumberger Oil Company in Houston. In December 1951, he was transferred to Wharton, Texas, where he continued his career with Schlumberger and met the love of his life, Norma Jean Mahalitc, in 1952. The two were married on April 11, 1953, at Holy Family Catholic Church.

In December 1954, Scottie was drafted into the U.S. Army and spent 18 months stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. After completing his service, he returned to Wharton and continued his employment with Schlumberger for a total of 28 years. Following his time with Schlumberger, Scottie and Norma Jean entered the retail business, purchasing Early’s Shoe Store and a western wear store. They worked side by side in retail for 25 years, later renaming the business “The Shoe House.” They retired and sold the businesses in 2003.

Scottie was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus for 70 years and a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He and Norma Jean enjoyed many years of playing 42 with their domino group and traveling the country by motorhome, forming friendships everywhere they went.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to all who have offered love and support over the past year. A special expression of gratitude goes to Patty Gordon, Ruby Ephram, Diana Garcia, Averi Fisher, and Junot Dickerson for their compassion, care, and assistance over the past several months, as well as to Angels Care Home Health and Hospice for their dedicated support. The family also wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to his sister-in-law, Margaret Bucek, for her continual love, support, and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or Angels Care Hospice in Bay City, Texas.

Services will be held Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton, TX. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., with burial immediately following at Evergreen Perpetual Care Cemetery.