Very sad to hear of Ken's passing.  My prayers and sympathy to the family.

I remember Captain Kenny fondly, quirky is a good descriptor for his humor, there are others, there was no finer sarcasm with a smile than that delivered by Ken. Always fun to fly with, loved talking about his family. I always suspected there was something wrong with him, he would never nap in the cockpit, maybe it was because he was flying with me.

I met Ken when he flew Citations at Midwest Air Charter. I was a 20-year-old mechanic and a new hire in 1978, working third shift with Dan Lang, Dave Bodner, or Jerry Webb, all of whom Ken was friends with.

Even though I was so young, Ken always treated me with respect. Over the years, we drifted apart as the company evolved from a small operation into a Part 121 air carrier.

Many years later, Ken graciously agreed to make a cameo appearance in my first Flight department  video production at ABX Air — a Passenger Safety Briefing video. He sat in the left seat of the 767, signing off paperwork for one of the scenes. What struck me most was that he remembered me just as I remembered him, and he warmly welcomed me onboard to film that video. Still gracious after all those years.

My sincere condolences for your loss.

My deepest sympathies to Connie, kids, and family. I flew Lear Jets, Cessna Citations, and DC-9’s as a first officer with Ken., and have many great memories flying with him. He was a great pilot and friend.

We will always remember Ken and his quick wit. He was the kind of guy who didn't take life too seriously, and his humor could always make a bad day better. He will be missed by so many. All our love and prayers to Connie, Kenny, Claire, Josh, and Tiago.

I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was a great guy to fly with and you never knew if and when he was yanking your chain.  I was able to yank his a few times and that was a hoot!! What a joy and a privilege it was to be his First Officer. He was one of the Captains that I emulated when I upgraded to Captain. He will be missed and I am kind of new at ABX (only 30 years there) and retire soon. I still tell Ken Norton stories at cruise to these new kids!!
He was a wonderful Captain and he will be missed.

My condolences to Connie and the family, I worked with Ken beginning with the old Midwest through ABX Air. One of the great people I worked with during my career and regret not keeping in touch with.  Ken was definitely one of the people that made my life better than it would have been had I not known him.

I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Kenny. Although we lost track of each other after retirement, we were very good friends back in the Midwest and Airborne days. Many, many hours flown together, especially during the Citation days. He had such a sharp wit and his very dark dry sense of humor. You just never knew when he was going to zing you. Hopefully you were watching him zing somebody else. I have passed on many Kenny Norton stories for years to other people about flying with him. He was a great pilot and a joy to fly with. He will be missed.

I flew with Ken as a CP at ABX..he was a great Captain and a funny guy, over the 27 yrs there he was one of the guys that kept us going on those long nights. While most of us complained he kept us in check. So sorry for your loss. That last flight West,  is one that we all must fly..but fear not, as we will land in the arms of family and friends that have flown ahead. we'll once again hoist a pint and cheer new arrivals. 
  Wayne Norris

Ken and I were hired on the same day, both of us had a long career with Midwest air charter airborne freight, corporation, and last but not least DHL. Can use to pull my chain all the time and we really enjoyed each other‘s company he used to put telephone answering messages on his phone that were hysterical. I used to call up just to hear his new message I remember one evening when he told me from Denver I had to fly back to Wilmington. He was pulling my leg. I almost got in trouble because I came within a whisker of filling the airplane up and flying back there anyway he will be missed what a fine gentleman lovely family rest in peace, my friend.

Ken was a true pleasure to work with. When I started my career as a mechanic at Airborne Express, I was always glad to see him bring the plane in. Later, when I became a First Officer, I was equally happy to see him as my Captain for the many flights we shared. A true professional aviator, I learned many valuable lessons from him. I also knew I would be laughing during our trips. His sense of humor was legendary. My heart goes out to his family and I pray that their memories of him will give them peace in the future. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Connie and Family; Sending you much love and prayers during this difficult time.  I will always be thankful for the times I worked with you and Ken; they were the best of times!

Hate hearing this about Ken, We grew up at Midwest/ ABX  and had a great time knowing him, my condolences to Connie and his family. Carl Cross

OBITUARY

Kenneth Chester Norton Jr.

February 14, 1952 – May 16, 2026

Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel

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