Vern E. Norton

Born February 2, 1924 in White Earth, MN to William and Erna Norton the oldest of 4 children. He passed away peacefully April 29, 2015 in Seattle, WA.

Jake attended a country school in Callaway MN while working on his father's farm. In 1943, he enlisted in the US Army at the young age of 19. Jake fought courageously in World War II. Having been severely wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, he earned the Purple Heart and later was awarded the Bronze Star for 'Merit of Achievement in Ground Combat'.

Even with Jake's military disabilities, he was an avid outdoorsman. He loved duck hunting in the Moses Lake area with his sons, friends and his faithful black lab 'Dude'. He also enjoyed fishing for salmon in the Puget Sound and whatever would bite in Moses Lake. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the Knights of Columbus.

Jake married Ruby Frederick in 1947 later moving their family to the Renton-Issaquah area in the early 1960's. Together they raised 6 wonderful children.

Jake is survived by: Vern Jr. (Janet) , William (MarySue), Michael (Karol), Mary (Russell) Hoggatt, Patricia Bumpus,

Julie (Eric) Davis, 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his loving wife Ruby of 54 years, brother Leroy and grandson Adam.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 7th at 12 PM at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude's Hospital.