Col. Ross D. Norton, USAF (Ret.), 93, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2010, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on October 29, 1916, in Green Forest, Arkansas, to Walter and Annie Norton. He graduated from Green Forest High School and left the family farm to seek his fortune. Ross enlisted in the US Army Air Forces in 1941, was later selected for Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. In 1944, he was stationed in England and, as fate would have it, was billeted "for one night only" in his future wife's family home. In December 1945 he married Joyce Mary; they would spend the next 63 years together, travelling the world, raising a family and retiring in San Antonio. A member of the Greatest Generation, his assignments included tours in the US, Europe, and Vietnam. Ross proudly served in the United States Air Force for 31 years, during which he received his BA from the University of Maryland. His distinguished career culminated with his return to England as the base commander at RAF Chicksands. His second career began with 10 years at USAA and continued with volunteer service through Windcrest Methodist Church, the Methodist Men's group and the Army Residence Community. Ross was predeceased by his brothers; Fred, Glenn, and Clyde. Survivors include his wife Joyce; sons, Michael and wife Kay, and Richard; daughters, Elizabeth and Susan; daughter-in-law Kathy; grandchildren, Christopher and wife Heather, Matthew and wife Kristina, Benjamin and wife Becky, and Jeffrey and wife Stacey; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Braylon, Cade, and Kaitlyn; a brother, Claude and wife Gladys. Ross (Dad) will be remembered as the loving patriarch of his extended family. He adored his wife, was quick to laugh, never forgot a face, gave the best hugs, and will live in our hearts always.
VISITATION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
6:00 to 8:00 P.M.
PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH
******
CELEBRATION OF LIFE THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 @ 1:00 P.M.
ARMY RESIDENCE
COMMUNITY CHAPEL
7400 CRESTWAY, San Antonio, TX
A private Interment with Full Military Honors will be held in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , 7400 Louis Pasteur, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78229.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at http://www.porterloring.com/
Mike Norton '64 and
Rick Norton '66
c/o 340 Treeline Park, #1035
San Antonio, TX 78209
Cell: (361) 550-7145
nortor97@bigplanet.com
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