Gene Norman of Marion
MARION - Gene Sylvester Norman, 80, of Marion, passed away at 9 a.m. at his home in Marion on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 surrounded by his family.
Gene was born Sept. 18, 1938 in Marion, the son of Francis Marion and Lillian Maxine (Ozment) Norman. He married Pauline Dascotte on Nov. 9, 1957 in Johnston City. Together, they shared over 60 years of marriage.
Gene proudly answered the call to serve his nation and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He started in the flooring business 55 years ago, founding Norman's Carpet.
Gene was born and raised in the Church of God (Anderson affiliation) beginning with the former Block Chapel Church of God on Fair Street. He served several roles in the church for many years, including Chairman of Trustees. He was the area rep for Project Partner in Christ, organizing several mission trips to Central America.
His other memberships included the Williamson County Merit Board, REDCO, the Marion Rotary and the Marion Chamber of Commerce, where he formerly served as president.
Survivors include his wife, Pauline Norman, of Marion; son, Brian Norman (Becky) of Marion; daughter, Renee Norman (Kevin Klatt) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; three grandchildren, Amber Norman of Marion, Tyler Norman of Marion and Keelin Norman-Klatt of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; three sisters, Betty Hankins of Marion, Peggy Stewart of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Francine Sanders (Dick) of Marion; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with the Rev. Shara Robinson officiating. The eulogy will be given by his best friend, Jim Bales. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials be made to the Marion Rotary Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 N. Market St., Marion, Illinois 62959.
For additional information or to sign the guest memorial register, visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.