Norman Carl Handt

Norman Carl Handt, 88, of Columbus, passed away on Sunday October 20 at Golden Living Community in Bloomington, Indiana. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Friday, October 25 at Myers~Reed Chapel on 25th Street. Visitation will be held on Thursday October 24 from 4 – 7 pm and from 10-11 am Friday morning, also at Myers~Reed before the funeral. Born September 30, 1931 in Floyd County, Iowa, Norman was the son of the late Carl Handt and Luva (Campbell) Handt. He married Frances Elizabeth Zapfe on February 2, 1957. She preceded him in death on March 3, 1996. He married Blanca Santos on January 28, 1999. She preceded him in death in November 2012. Norman had four siblings: Dorothy (Howard) Larson, Dale (Peggy) Handt, Alan (Debbie) Handt, and Mary Lou (Randy Hood) Shelly. He also had three brothers-in-law: Albert (Phyllis) Zapfe, Carl (Betty) Zapfe, and John Zapfe. Norman (Norm) was a military veteran. He served in the Air Force from 1948-1952 where he was a member of the 160th Motor Vehicle Squadron. After a brief period of time, he then enlisted in the Army from 1953-1956. He served in Alaska during the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Norm was very proud of his military service and enjoyed meeting and talking with former veterans, hanging out at the American Legion and the VFW, and keeping up with old military buddies. He was also a member of the Eagles Lodge # 741. He spent most of his life working as a mechanic for Contractor’s United and Columbus Marina, and later as a self-employed boat and lawn mower repairman. Norman had a variety of hobbies and interests. An avid outdoorsman, Norm hunted and fished as often as possible with family and friends. When he was younger, he and his friends built a sprint car that they raced on tracks all over southern and central Indiana. He was also an excellent guitar player who played in a local country band. He earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his Cessna plane and spending time with the Greenwood Pilot’s Club. He also loved riding motorcycles. Norman had seven children: Linda (Mike) Sneed, Teresa Handt, Robert Handt, Leon (Cindy) Handt, Barbara Handt, Kenneth (Ashley) Handt, and Sandra (Scott) Allman, He had nine grandchildren: Shannon Sneed, Nathan Burton, Lauren (Mike) Raines, Rachel Handt, Abigail Handt, Matthew Allman, Sara Burton, Megan Allman, and Brittain Wickes. He had one great-grandson, Lucas Raines. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Robert Handt, his wife Frances Handt, his second wife Blanca Handt, his parents Carl and Luva Handt, his sister Dorothy Larson, his brother Dale Handt, his brother-in-law John Zapfe, and his nephew Randy Johnson. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors by Bartholomew County Veteran’s Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Southern Care Hospice and The American Legion.