Gene Norton
December 16, 1928 ~ August 12, 2022
Gene Norton, 93, of Miller, passed away Friday, August 12, 2022, at Avantara in Redfield, SD.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, Miller, with Rev. Teresa Whetsel officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 23, 2002, all at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.
Gene Horace Norton was born December 16, 1928, on the family ranch north of Reliance, South Dakota, to Herbert and Hazel (Shoemaker) Norton. He graduated at the age of 16 from High School and then went to college at South Dakota College of Agriculture and Mechanics, receiving an Associates of Arts degree. He went onto join the United States Army in 1951, serving a tour during the Korean War. He was honorable discharged in 1953.
On March 6, 1954, he married Ila Palmer at the Presbyterian Church in Miller. Together they had three children: Rick, Randy, and Karen Jo.
Throughout his life he worked as a mechanic, ranch hand, and trucker, and owned and operated Norton Hay Moving. He was an active member of the Methodist Church, American Legion, VFW, Lions Club, and Kiwanis Club. He served as a Boy Scouts leader, taking many scouting trips. He took great pride serving his country and his community.
He is survived by his wife, Ila of Miller; two sons: Randy (Karol) and Rick (Lori); three granddaughters: April (Brad) Hamilton, Ashley (Kory) Yule, and Amanda Norton; four great grandchildren: Ella, Sebastian, Paisley, and Brinley; one sister, Betty Kindopp; one brother, Ray Norton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death his parents; infant daughter, Karen Jo, sister, Shirley; and brothers, Forest, and Jack.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Gene's arrangements.
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Ila, Randy, Rick, & families, I am so sorry for your loss. Gene was a wonderful, fun, caring man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere sympathy to the family of Gene Norton.
So sorry to hear of Gene's passing he was a very sweet man, I got to know him well from church. My sympathies to the families
Ila, Rick, Randy and families, we are so sorry for your loss of Gene. We couldn’t have asked for better neighbors and friends. And our kids had the best “grandparents “ in Gene and Ila! You are in our prayers.
Sorry for your loss.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family!!
Thoughts and prayers to Gene's family. He always had a smile and time to visit whenever we would see him .
Rick, Lori, April & Amanda –
Gene was like another father to me…..he would also give me a hard time and I would give it back…love you guys and you are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
I'll,
I'm so sorry for you loss. Gene was one of the best, hardest working men I ever knew. You and he were like grand parents to my kids as they did not have any. I still have the "Welcome " signed displayed that he made for us. God bless.
RIP Uncle. May the Lord greet you with open arms and you feel the love of all who have gone before. I will see you again one day.
Ila, Randy, Rick and Families, I am so very sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose those we love most. I always enjoyed conversations with Gene. Miller has suffered a great loss, his sense of community and family has left a great legacy in each of you. He will be missed by all who knew him.
My condolences to Gene’s family. He was my first Scout Master. Many great memories in Scouts with Gene as our leader.
Sad to learn of Gene's passing. I have good memories of Gene and his fun sense of humor. Our hearts are open, and our prayers go out to the family. Gene will be missed by many. RIP my friend.
With deepest condolences to all of the Norton family. Gene was a great man and friend to all who knew him. He always had a smile on his face and always had time to visit. He will be missed by all. God Bless!
We want to send our condolences. Gene was such a nice man. Craig had him as a scout leader.
Ila and family:
I'm so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. He always had a big smile and a great sense of humor. I enjoyed meeting him in town and at church. He was such a community minded guy and he will be missed by everybody whose life he touched! RIP GENE NORTON! HUGS and BLESSINGS to all!!
Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I miss sitting with them at the races at Miller Central Speedway. Had lots of good times with Gene there.
I have so many fond memories of Gene growing up. To the Norton family, I want to extend my deepest condolences for the loss of such a great guy and a dedicated soldier. Every time I saw him, he had the kind of smile that could make you forget all your troubles. He will truly be missed by everyone whose hearts and lives he has touched in some way. Gone but not forgotten RIP Gene
ILLA SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GENE'S PASSING I LOST RITA IN MAY SO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING THRU
PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMI;LY
Had the privilege of meeting Mr. Norton through the Fairfield Inn and Suites at the Airport in Sioux Falls when he used to stay there. What a wonderful man who lived a long life. I know his family will have tons of stories to share about his life. Blessings on you. Mark