"I saw this obituary 3 yrs too late. I fished with him after meeting him when I bought a car at the Marion Chevy dealership. Great man... He was like a fishing encyclopedia. I learned more from fishing with him 4 or 5 times, then I did from anyone else in my life."
In loving memory of
Willard "Vern" L. Norton
June 15, 1925 - September 16, 2011
Willard "Vern" L. Norton, 85, passed away unexpectedly Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Marion General Hospital Emergency Room. He was born in Marion to the late Willard E. and Inez Ruth (Poling) Norton. He married Martelle Planck November 21, 1945 in Marion. Mr. Norton served in the Pacific aboard the USS Thurston during World War II. He received the American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the Victory Medal w/2 stars. He was employed with Boxell's Standard, Marion and the Marion VA. He and his father started a fishing lure business in 1956. They were the original patent holders of the plastic worm lure and harness system. He also started Norton's Sports Center in 1963 prior to retiring to go into the auto sales business in the mid 1970's. He was a former Grant County Sheriff Reserve Officer. He loved fishing and hunting, especially deer with his bow and pursued these sports actively. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and never met a stranger. He loved teaching young people especially his children and grandchildren how to fish and hunt. Survivors include his wife, Martelle, sons, Bill (Janie), Upland, Rod (Wendy) Longview, TX, Dan, Marion; daughter, Debra (Dale) VanVactor, Longview, TX; three grandchildren, Jenny(Matthew)Schamber, Upland, Jim (Carrie) Norton, Gas City, Rob (Brenna) Cline, Gladewater, TX; and two great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by sisters, Barbara Cline, Doris Knotts Shane. Memorials may be made to Riley Children's Hospital, 702 Barnhill Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Jones-Smith Funeral Home, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana Visitation: 4-8 pm, Monday, September 21, 2011 Jones-Smith Funeral Home, 259 N. Main St, Upland, Indiana Officiating: Pastor Gary Hall, Pastor Bob Morrell Interment with Military Rites: Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana
Tributes
"Deepest sympathy to all of the Norton family. Vern was a very special person. Loved life and loved to tell his experiences. He definately never met a stranger. When he would stop in the credit union he would let me know he had talked to Deb and what they were doing for the day.Gary will miss hearing his stories & looking a pictures w/him. He will be missed. Love to all of you."
"Rod, Deb and family. So sorry to hear about your fathers passing. I have a lot of fond memories of him. Always cherish the wonderful memories you have of him. You will be in my prayers. Lean on the Lord in times like these. He loves you and will see you through. God bless, Kent"
"Bill & Rodney I remember your Dad from when we went to Evans School together. I will never forget & I have told this story very often. In 1986 your dad sold a new 1986 Olds 98 that would not run because we had robbed a part to a legal blind man who had no licence.The man said he loved red cars & Vern told him the car was bright red. The car was black as coal. Very interesting person & I enjoyed many hours of conversation with him over the years."
"We are sorry for the loss of your Dad. We will be praying for strength for you and your family as you endure this difficult time. God is with you. Blessings, Rick & Robyn Fox"
"I just wanted to extend my sympathy to your family for the loss of Vern.At one time I felt like The Nortons were my second family. I enjoyed so many wonderful memories in your home you, always made me feel so welcomed You are all in my thoughts and prayers.with much love. Neva"
"My sympathy to Martelle and all the family. My husband, Bud, and Vern spent a lot of time together in various part-time jobs and with the Sherif's Dept. Auxillary back in the 1970's before we moved to Florida. I am sorry for your loss."
"I remember the warmth, laughter, and love of the Norton household. Uncle Vern, as I knew him then, was always a favorite with the children. He always had time to talk to them and hold them lovingly. Their house welcomed friends and family alike. When I was new to the family, I was made to feel right at home as if they'd known me all of my life. Always an entrepreneur, always adventurous, always loving a good outdoor competition, he lived life to the fullest and was joyful as well as thankful for all he was able to do. His family was his center. He always relished time with them and spoke of each of their accomplishments with so much pride. He admired them all for their unique gifts and talents. I will have fond memories of Uncle Vern, and I have you all in my prayers. You all are his heritage that is left on this earth in honor of him and Aunt Marty. He is smiling down and proud of you all. My love and cyber hugs. Christie"
"With deepest sympathy, I send you my thoughts and prayers. Vern was a dear friend. Good times at the Sports Center, hunting, and fishing. Martelle my thoughts are with you at this time. I know how hard this is, Judy passed away a year ago. Call if you ever need anything. God be with you and comfort you."
"Send prayers with deepest sympathy for the Lord of Vern. My thoughts are with you all at this time. I have fun memories of playing with the cute rubber worms and frogs at the Sports Center when we were young after rollers skating on Saturdays. Your dad was one of the friendlIest people I have ever known. Always a smile on his face. May Gods grace and mercy comfort you with the knowledge that if is in heaven today and you will see him again. What an awesome promise to hold on to and live for."
"Bill, Janie and family, We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!! God Bless, Bob and Debbie Cora"
"Vern was one of a kind and I always enjoyed visiting with him. I first met him at the Bank in 1970 or 71 and over the years he stayed the same. Always friendly and I don't think I every saw him upset about anything. He was the most optimistic man I ever met, he always saw the silver lining and the rainbows instead of the clouds and rain. He will be missed by a lot of people who aren't family. The Norton family will be in out thoughts and prayers especially over the next few days. God Bless-"
"Marty & family, So sorry to learn of this. The years I worked with you at the school maintenance, you were always talking about him and your family. I can remember buying stuff from him when he had the Sporting Goods store. A sad day. Thoughts and prayers with you all"
"Deepest condolences to the family of Willard "Vern" Norton. He is a Grant County icon for various reasons. A great family man (especially father, grandfather and great-grandfather). Glad to have known him and be associated with his family. The world has lost a special individual with Vern's passing. God bless his family."
"Condolences to the Norton Family for their loss. Vern was a great man who I enjoyed talking with on every occasion I could. There is no doubt in my mind that Vern is chasing Elk and White Tail through the woods and mountains of heaven as we speak."
"In the short time I have been in this family I have fell in love with every member including Vern and Martel. Vern was always positive and joking and what a bright wonderful light that is especially in today's world. I know he brightened my life. I am blessed to have known and been a part of Vern's time here on earth."
"Norton, My heart goes out to you and your family. I know how much you loved your dad and the excitement you had when they came for a visit. Hold those memories precious to your heart and let them be a comfort to you. I am praying a peace that would pass all understanding surround you and your family like a shield. Grab strength from each other when needed and remember God's love and strong arms are there for you. I love you my old friend."
"Deb and family - I'm sorry to read about your Dad.I have so many great memories involving your family. Slumber parties, walking from the roller rink to the store on Saturdays-him taking us home after skating parties. Remember how he'd have us close our eyes and guess where we were as he was making the rounds dropping us all off? He touched many lives and will always live on. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Pat"
"Marty & Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. We are so sorry for your loss. We will see you tomorrow sis!"
"Sending love and prayers for you and your family. Nothing better than hunting and fishing in heaven with family and friends."
"Grand-dad will be missed by so many. He was a joy to be around from the minute we met him. I can still hear the stories and I know they will stay with me forever. It was an honor to have known him and spent time with him when he was in Texas. My heart breaks for you guys. Ya'll are all a super special family. We are sending BIG hugs and BIG prayers from the Lone Star State."
"My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I am blessed to have met Vern and will miss hearing his stories,I remember sitting on Deb's porch and watching Vern teach Brenna how to tie off a lure,she was so excited and ready to go fishing with him anytime . I love you all and remember he is up there with the Lord fishing ."
"My deepest condolences to you Debbie, your mother and the rest of your family. I hope the special memories about Vern that each of you have will give you peace in the days ahead."