Norman Alton Anderson

August 13, 1935-May 10, 2016

Norman was born in Indiana County, Pennsylvania in 1935 to Margaret Viola Lydic and James Franklin Anderson. He was an adventurous soul who even at an early age loved to travel and explore the Pennsylvania woods, trains and even worked in the coalmines. The longing to travel continued with him enlisting in the United States Navy in 1955. His two younger brothers, John and Gene McAdams, learned early on what a grand sense of humor that young Norman had. Norman and his baby sister, Kathy Anderson Jamison, always had a special connection that continued regardless of time or distance.

Norman met Naomi Ruth Henry in 1955 shortly before enlisting in the Navy. She was attracted to his smile, his sense of humor, his sparkling brown eyes, magnetism, curly dark hair and suntanned skin. He was swept away by her kindness, how sweet she was, and her blonde hair and pretty blue eyes. He felt she was God’s gift just for him. They married in December of 1956 and lived in Florida, New Jersey, and Virginia and settled in California. They raised six children; Cindy Lee, William James, Eric Norman, Andrew Alton, Elizabeth Grace and Eric Robert.

While in the Navy, he attained the rate of Chief Petty Officer, specializing in Aviation Mechanics. He served aboard various ships including the Roosevelt, the Kitty Hawk, the Ranger, and the Hornet. During his Navy service Norman was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross), as well as five Good Conduct Medal Awards.

Norman was an entrepreneur almost his whole life. He had several successful businesses that showcased his skills as a mechanic, recycler and metal smith.

Restoring cars throughout his life was a pastime that was both enjoyable and profitable for Norman.

Passing down his knowledge to his children and their spouses, many grandchildren and great grandchildren was something Norman did everyday and took great pride in. If something needed built or fixing, he was the first to be called.

Despite Naomi rolling her eyes, he continued with his unusual sense of humor, which endeared him to friends and relatives alike. He taught all of his children his dirty jokes and sayings, which they repeat to each other frequently, much to the annoyance of their mother.

Some of his favorite hobbies were listening to the oldies, classic country, gospel and bluegrass music. He liked to watch Cops, Hill Street Blues, Perry Mason, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Andy Griffith Show, American Pickers, Storage Wars, Pawn Stars, The Benny Hill Show, Hee Haw and a variety of British sitcoms on PBS.

Tending his garden and building things in the yard and around the house were more of his favorite activities. Even at 80 years old, Norman was still installing bathroom sinks, mixing concrete, chopping firewood and driving all over town in his 1977 Pontiac Bonneville. He always knew the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and he cooked carne asada on the grill for his family every chance he could get.

Norman spent the final days of his life at home, surrounded by his family and pets, enjoying his music, some steak and lobster and a little wine, before passing peacefully on the morning of May 10, 2016. He will be remembered with love and respect and missed more than words can describe.