Norman Clark Britton

Norman Clark Britton, 92, of Fresno, CA, departed this earthly life in Fresno, to join his beloved wife on Saturday, October 28th, 2023. Norman was born in Fresno, CA, to David Earl Britton Sr. and Catherine (Matthes) Britton. He was the youngest of three brothers. His older brother, Harold, passed at age 88 in 2013 followed by his oldest brother David Jr, who passed at age 91 in 2016.

Norman was predeceased at the age of 3 by his father, David Sr (who died in 1934). His mother eventually found work as a telephone operator to support her three boys. Norman often credited the opportunity to utilize Fresno Playgrounds from morning to night, almost seven days a week, in helping instill a competitive spirit while he was very young that served him well all his life. He was born and raised during the Depression times, and Holmes playground athletics was the one outlet available.

Norman took talents honed on the playground to Roosevelt High School where he helped Rough Rider basketball and baseball teams compete for valley championships. After graduation in 1949, he went on to play 2 years of baseball at Fresno City College and then a year at Fresno State. Arm problems resulted in Norman’s transition from Bulldog baseball to playing softball for the Hoak Packers softball team. His infield play partnered with his brother Hal’s talents behind the plate, bringing the Packers team 3 consecutive World Championships.

Three days after he graduated from Fresno State in 1954, he was drafted into Army duty in Arkansas. He started a management training program with Del Monte, following 2 years of Army duty, and moved every 3 years. He enjoyed working in food plant management for 30 plus years. It was while he was a plant manager in San Leandro in the mid-60’s that he began dating one of the office staff, Shirley Blankenship.

In 1966 Shirley became Mrs. Britton, in a marriage that lasted 52 years.

The competitive spirit from the playground returned in 1962, but on a different athletic field. This time was it was racetracks. For 4 years he built and owned midget race cars. George Snider and Bill Vukovich, Jr., were a couple of the successful drivers that started their driving careers racing Britton cars. Norman also resumed his racing hobby 20 years later partnering with drivers from Southern CA. He enjoyed the sport with his son Scott, from the mid ‘80’s until 1992.

Growing up and participating in athletics all his life, there were few Fresno State Games this Bulldog fan didn’t attend while living in Fresno. In 1977 he joined the Bulldog Foundation’s annual fund drive efforts and in 1982 he joined the Bulldog Foundation Board of trustees. Norman felt great pride in being part of the valley’s response to helping build athletic facilities and providing scholarships. Norman believed that sports open doors to other opportunities. He said it was fun to be around people who wanted to be part of a great community team interested in helping. He enjoyed giving back.

During his retirement years he continued to enjoy Fresno State games and developed a fondness for the Golden State Warriors Basketball team. He often watched NASCAR races, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco Giants games on TV. He had a fondness for the outdoors and sitting in the sun. His wife, Shirley, passed away in 2018 leaving Norman the next five years to manage on his own. He enjoyed those years by spending hours daily tinkering with car parts in his garage.

Norman persevered through injury, illness, and mobility challenges in the two years prior to death. His determination honed on the playgrounds as a kid enabled him to endure and maintain quality of life.

Norman is survived by his daughter Pamela Clark and Husband Mark Clark, and his son Scott Britton and his wife Tracy Britton. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Matthew Clark, Drew Clark, and Ansley Britton. "He will be missed"

A Graveside Services will be on Monday, November 13th, at 1:00 pm at the Belmont Memorial Park Cemetery, 201 N. Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norman’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.