Wayne was born in Baker, Oregon on August 1, 1926, along with his twin sister Francis Leonardini, to William Dale and Pearl Evelyn Holt Norton. Wayne lived in various locations. Shortly after birth, the family moved to Foot Creek, Gold Hill, and Wolf Creek, Oregon, as their father followed the gold dredge excavations before settling in Grants Pass, Oregon, in 1938. Wayne graduated from Grants Pass High School as valedictorian in 1944. After high school, he worked in the General Grocery Store and Meat Market and was drafted into the US Army Infantry, stationed at Camp Roberts in French Camp, California during World War II. He transferred to Officers Candidate School to Fort Benning, Georgia as the war ended.
Upon the end of the war, Wayne moved back to Medford, Oregon, where he attended Southern Oregon College. It was there, he met the love of his life Shirley Schneider, and they became engaged. They married June 20, 1948.
Wayne continued his education at Oregon State College, at Corvallis, in pre-medical school, working as a butcher, then transferred to Portland, Oregon University Medical School and graduated in 1954. In 1958, another medical interest motivated the move to Syracuse, New York to pursue a surgical residency program in orthopedics. This was followed by a medical internship at San Joaquin County Hospital in French Camp, California.
During this era, Wayne started a family which included the births of Janice, Linda, and Donald Norton. He enlisted in the US Army Medical Service making several moves between 1956–1964, these moves included San Antonio, Texas, Denver, Colorado, and Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC.
In 1961–62, at the end of the Korean War, Wayne was sent to Korea to work at the 121 Evacuation Hospital as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery. In 1964 Wayne retired from the US Army and moved to Merced California to co-found the Merced Orthopedic Surgical Group with Earl Eager, Lloyd Beaver, and John Rugani. He also served as Chief of Staff at Mercy and Merced County Hospitals.
Wayne had many interests and loved learning through hobbies of lapidary work and jewelry making. He often entered and participated in local Gem and Mineral shows and competitions, where he won several art awards.
After retiring from his orthopedic surgical practice in Merced in 1979, Wayne returned to West Linn, Oregon, and continued his profession as a Medical Advisor for the State of Oregon Accident Insurance Fund. He continued hobbies of travel, church activities, choir, and Bible study.
In his late 70’s, Wayne moved back to California to be near family. He resided at the Hampshire in Merced for many years, caring for his wife Shirley.
He is survived by his sister Irene Houston of Spokane, Washington, and children Janice Sotelo, Linda Norton, and Don Norton, his seven grandchildren Raul Sotelo, Lucio Molina Sotelo, Israel Sotelo, Daniel Alan Sotelo, Sara Hartman, Pearl Sotelo, and James Norton. 12 great grandchildren include Macun Sotelo, Lucio Sotelo, Jacob Sotelo, Jaelyn Sotelo, Ethan Sotelo, Tevy Sotelo, Isabel Sotelo, Olivia Sotelo, Isaiah Sotelo, Dixie Federschmidt, Betty Federschmidt, Lucille Federschmidt, also leaves behind his cousins, nieces, and nephews who love him.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents William Dale and Pearl Evelyn Holt Norton and his sisters Francis Leonardini and Ilene English.
Our family would like to thank the Hampshire staff and community, the Dignity Mercy Medical Center, and Anberry Transitional Care Center staff. Also, we appreciate the high quality and compassionate care from nurses and staff through Hines Hospice and Comfort Keepers. We would also like to thank Pastor Ruben Rodarte of Yosemite Church and Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home for their support and guidance through this difficult time.
Wayne has been a blessing to his family and the community with his integrity, compassion and kindness. Father, you will be greatly missed.
Services will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on May 8, 2025. Viewing is from 9–11 AM followed by Chapel services from 11–12. Graveside burial will be held at 12:00 PM followed by a reception at Stratford Evans Reception Hall Address: 1490 B Street, Merced, CA 95341. Phone (209) 722-4191.
Please join us in honoring Wayne Norton by visiting www.stratfordevansfunerals.com Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Norton Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.
