Donald Clark Norton

Donald was born on October 17, 1932, in Stockbridge, Michigan to Alba and Hulda Norton.

Don spent most of his life in Williamston. On June 4, 1954, he married Patricia Galvin and the two of them celebrated 67 years together shortly before Pat passed away in 2021.

Upon returning from serving his country in Korea Don attended Ferris State University and earned his degree in Printing. Upon graduation he went to work at The Williamston Enterprise and then worked in the composing room at The Lansing State Journal for 36 years. Upon retirement he worked hard at being "Papa" to his Grandchildren and enjoyed woodworking in his barn and spent every second possible on the lake catching bluegills. Many who shared the boat with him swore he could catch bluegills in a bucket of water! In the fall he loved to hunt deer and harvested his last deer with a bow at the age of 85!

Don was a Korean War vet, and survived three indirect and one direct land mine blast ten days before the armistice was signed. He was told he would never walk again but he proved the doctors wrong teaching himself to walk again and was still walking on the day he passed away. For his service he was awarded The Purple Heart, The Korean War Service Medal with a gold star awarded, The National Defense Medal and The United Nation Medal. Don was an immensely proud vet but would never boast about it and was never bitter about the injuries he lived with every day.

In August of 2019 he suffered a massive stroke and was not expected to survive. When he did, he once again was told he would never walk again. He was back on his feet in under a month and continued walking to the very end.

Don is survived by his sons and their wives, Randy (Kathryn) Brian (Patti) Daniel (Stephanie)

Ralph (Sheryl) nephew who became the 4th son after the passing of his father and Grandchildren Lonney, Ashley, Jessica, Samantha, Donald, Madison and Allison and a host of Great Grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by the love of his life Patricia, parents Alba and Hulda and siblings Neil, Ralph, Joyce (Call), Lavon (Corser) Pricilla (Bennett) and Grandson Lance. Don was quoted many times saying he had the best Brother and Sisters in law possible and spent many happy hours camping, playing cards and fishing with all of them.

There will be a Graveside service June 25, 2023, at noon at Alchin Farm Cemetary, Webberville, Michigan with Military Honors officiated by Chaplain Daniel Norton. Following the service there will be a celebration of life at The Williamson Roadhouse, 3700 East Grand River, Williamston, Michigan 48895 from 1 -3 P.M. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest a donation to Stoneleigh Residence and Hospice of Lansing, 3411 Stoneleigh, Drive, Lansing, Michigan 48910