Herbert Norton

Herbert grew up on the farm during the depression and WW2 years with his 4 brothers (John, Jack, George and Clifford), along with his parents Henry John Norton and Fannie Elizabeth Norton who had emigrated from England in the early 1920’s. The farmstead is still in the family.

He graduated from Mandan High School in 1946 and then spent 2 years at the State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota. In 1951, Herbert joined the United States Army and, in 1952, he was shipped to Korea to work in the “MASH” units doing field medical work. In 1953, he returned to Mandan and went on inactive reserves. He then started a local taxi service along with his brothers. In 1958, he re-enlisted in the United States Air Force where he remained until his retirement in 1976 (if possible – maybe insert link here to the Mountain Democrat article). He was a proud supporter of the military and veterans and loved his country.

During his time in the Air Force, he was transferred to Spain in 1961 where he later met and married his wife, Maria Rosa, on 12/30/64. Their only daughter, Carol, was born in 1966. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in December 2014. His beloved wife passed away at home just 3 weeks later on 1/23/15 after a lengthy illness and complications from her stroke in 2006.

After his Air Force retirement in 1976, the family spent 2 years in St Paul and then moved back to Mandan in 1979, where Herb and Maria would remain until 2006. They were avid bingo players during those years and had many good friends. Herb also enjoyed tinkering with television repair and electronics and was an avid coin collector. They enjoyed traveling to California to see their daughter and family and traveling back to Maria’s home country of Spain.

In 2006, they re-located to California to be near their daughter after Maria suffered a stroke. Herb faithfully took care of his beloved wife, with the assistance of their daughter, until her passing on 1/23/15. For the last year, Herb enjoyed going to movies and became an avid reader. He was also able to accompany his daughter and son in law on a trip to Seattle to see his grandson’s family. He was also able to go home to his beloved North Dakota one last time to see his family and friends last October. He had not been home since leaving in 2006. That trip was the highlight of his year.

Herbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Maria; his brother John and sister in law Patricia; his brother George, and his brother Clifford.

Herbert is survived by his daughter, Carol, and son in law Gary Sullivan (Placerville, CA); his brother Jack Norton (Mandan, ND); sister in law Donna Norton (Mandan, ND); nephews Scott and Steve Norton (Mandan, ND); niece Lisa Norton (Mandan, ND); grandsons Michael (and Rachel) Sullivan (Seattle WA) and Randall Sullivan (Rome, Italy); and great-grandchildren Clare and Gracie Sullivan (Seattle WA).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army or a Veteran organization.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapel of the Pines, Placerville, CA.