Obituary of Royce E. Norton

Norton, Royce E. of Saginaw, Michigan, formerly of Laingsburg and Farmington, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at McBrite Manor surrounded by his family. Age 94 years. Norton E. Royce was born April 8, 1917 in Royal Oak, Michigan to the late Roy and Frieda (Thurber) Norton. He was married to Gerry Walper on August 24, 1944 in Huntington Woods. She survives him. Royce graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1936 where he was a member of the State Champions Football Team, Class A and recipient of the Morrison Trophy. He graduated from Central Michigan University in 1940 where he played football, basketball and track. Royce earned nine letters and was captain of the 1939 football team. He formed the CMU gymnastic team and was also the assistant coach of the Mt. Pleasant High School football team for two years. Royce proudly served four years in the U.S. Navy and was discharged as a Lieutenant. He worked in real estate for over 30 years in Farmington, Durand and Laingsburg Michigan before retiring in 1979. Left to cherish his memory is his spouse, Gerry Norton; his daughters: Denise (Bob) Kin and Toni (Jim) Birney; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and his sister, Margaret McKee of Royal Oak. He was preceded in death by his son, Chris Norton, and his sister, Dorothy Hessell. FUNERAL: Funeral services will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Kathryn Snedeker will officiate. Burial with Military Honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. VISITION: Friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. on Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Hope or the First United Methodist Church Rev. Kathryn's Children's Fund. Please share your thoughts and memories with Royce's family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com