William J. Norton's Obituary
Illiopolis-William J. 'Joe' Norton, 76, of Illiopolis, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at his home after a hard fought battle with Bladder Cancer with his family by his side.
Per Joe’s wishes Cremation will take place at Graceland/Fairlawn Crematory. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to DMH Palliative Care/Hospice, 3122 Brenwood Circle, Decatur, Illinois 62526.
Joe was born July 27, 1935 at home in Westview, Kentucky, the youngest child of Ed and Rhea (Nottingham) Norton. He proudly served his country in the U.S Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1953-56. While he lived in Dallas he worked for Goldman Bakery for 4 years. After he returned to Central Illinois he worked for Taystee Bread before becoming a distributor for Archway Cookies for many years and was known by many as “Cookie”. During this time he also worked at Spector Freight in Decatur. After he sold his cookie route he worked for ABF from where he retired. He soon found out he did not enjoy retirement so for the past several years he worked for Garrett Aviation/Standard Aero. He enjoyed his work and being around people. He often said he considered his co-workers at Garrett his second family. He married Julie Willis on February 23, 1958 and had one daughter, Jennifer. They later divorced. He married Carla Gorsage in 1992 she preceded him in death in September 2008.
He leaves behind his daughter Jennifer of Buffalo, two grandsons; PFC Shawn B. Mendenhall of Fort Stewart, GA and Noah G. Mendenhall of Buffalo, twin brothers, Jim (Barbara) Norton of Louisville, KY and John (Nancy) Norton of Seguin, TX and sister, Lola West of Louisville, KY, and several nieces and nephews, and faithful companions Big Foot and Twinkles.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and his dear cat Blackie.
During the last several months he reconnected with many people in his life and thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to DMH Hospice especially Diane “Charlie” Cavanaugh, Drs. Rademacher, Baron, and Velasco as well as their nurses and staff, Richard Mendenhall, Ray and Julie Beck, April and Randy Hiser, Liz and Tim Wanless, Jessica Hiser, Mack Stapleton, Linda Wilson-Klemm, Jim and Elaine Sheaffer, Tom and Marilyn Leonard, Clenda Morrow, Kay Ervin, Patty Rogers, Marilyn Mendenhall, and Nate Anderson.
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