Norman Odell Cohee

Norman Odell Cohee was born on July 14, 1924 in Darlington, Indiana to Gale and Lois Cohee. He was named after the doctor who delivered him, Dr. Norman Odell. He grew up in Indianapolis with his older brother Bob, and his younger sister Delores.

As a youngster, he came down with diphtheria and had to be put in isolation for a few months. His parents divorced in his early years. When his mother became ill with tuberculosis, he quit school to help take care of his sister. As he grew into his late teens, he became interested in playing pool. At the time, he wasn’t interested in getting real employment, so he decided to take a crack at pool hustling to make some quick cash. And well, the rest is history.

In the early 1940’s he met his future bride, Betty. On April 7th, 1945, they got married. Still, he continued to play pool for money. Then, his Uncle Dave talked him into going out to find a real job. So, he and Dave landed a job at Bekins as furniture movers. Norman stayed in the moving business for many years. Pool became his pastime. Then he was introduced to golf from a friend. It was a passion that stuck with him for a long time. His wife Betty, also enjoyed the game. Through the years, their disagreements and occasional splits, they stayed married for 47 years until her passing in 1993. He never dated or remarried, always saying he was still in love with his wife.

He kept himself busy by playing golf, shooting pool and talking with friends at his favorite pub, Casey’s Tavern. Everyone seemed to like his sense of humor and how he would give out tips on playing pool. He was a people person, and all who knew him, knew it too. He will be missed by his family and friends, and perhaps a person he was watching playing pool, who would have welcomed his suggestion on how to sink a shot. And, last but not least, in his own straight forwardness, and perhaps stubbornness, he could show you a “white blackbird”.