John Wesley Norton

John " The Man" Wesley Norton Sr., 82, of Grand Tower, IL, left this world to go buy a round for his departed war buddies, friends, and family at 10:40 P.M. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at the VA Medical Center in Marion surrounded by his loving wife and children. John was born July 2, 1938, to Thomas and Grace (Rumfelt) Norton in Grand Tower, IL. After serving his country in the Vietnam war, he returned to Grand Tower were he met the love of his life Donna Reed. They married on August 24, 1968, and she survives. John retired from Sears, where he worked as a service repair technician. He also worked as a T.V. repair man for COOK'S T.V. repair and R.J. Rentals. He felt he needed to further serve his country, so he enlisted in the Navy Reserves and then transferred to the National Guard. John was a Founding member of the V.F.W. post in Grand Tower and served as the commander for many years. He also served as a District 15 Commander. John was an inspiration to his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many others. Not only did he raise his children, he also helped raise many of his grandchildren. Most of whom learn the all important skill of holding a flashlight for various home improvement projects. He also taught his daughters how to be the "man" of the house. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna (Reed) Norton of Grand Tower, IL, three children John ( Karen) Norton Jr. of Maple Park, Illinois, Cheryl (Derek) Golliher of Grand Tower, IL, and Lori Norton of Anna, IL; ten grand children John(Lori) Rosenberger, Tana (Anthony) Lombardo, Wesley (Rachel) Norton, Logan Norton, Derek (Kacie) Golliher, Alexia Jones, Evan Golliher, Cooper T Norton, Annie Williams, and Vyvyan Ricks; four great grand children Zachary, Emma, Kelton, and Keagan; serveral nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and one loyal dog, Party. two sisters Betty (Joe) Clover of Murphysboro,IL, Lucille Robertson of Anna, IL; brother and sister-in-laws Brenda (Tom) Gale of Pomona,IL, Darleen (John) Williams of Grand Tower, IL, Aldean Norton of Cape Girardeau,MO, Juanita Reed of Murphysboro, IL, Ronald (Gina) Reed of Murphysboro, IL, Danny (Martha) Reed of Ava,IL, Mike Reed of Sand Ridge; He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Johnathon Scott Norton, and brothers: Thomas Oral Norton, Jr. and Floyd Norton, brothers-in-law and sisters-in law; Terry Reed, Bruce Reed, Peggy Norton, and Roberta Norton. John was a loyal friend with steadfast convictions. He believed in having a good time, taking care of his family, and it was so hard to be humble because he was perfect in every way. John served his country proudly and had recently developed a deep concern for the future of this nation. One of his final hopes was for everyone to vote for Trump. His wishes were that his body be cremated. There will be a gravesite service at 11 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2020, at Walker Hill Cemetery with Rev. Peggy Camp officiating and military services will be conducted by the Paul Stout American Legion Post # 127. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sandra Comfort, 7 Dilday Road, Rockwood, IL 62280 or may be brought to the cemetery or given to the Pettett Funeral Home for the memorial. For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.

John Wesley Norton

July 2, 1938 - September 30, 2020