Melville James “Red” Norgart
February 19, 1922 - April 23, 2018
Red Norgart passed away on April 23, 2018. He was born February 19, 1922 in Glasston,
North Dakota to his parents Jim and Elizabeth Norgart. Red married Billie June Cagle of Hope,
Arkansas in Shawnee, OK on New Years Day, 1945. They were married for 70 years before
Billie passed away.
Red joined the Navy in July, 1944, was commissioned as an Ensign and was awarded his Navy
Pilot Wings of Gold in August, 1944. He flew numerous Navy aircraft and was stationed at
many Naval Air Stations throughout his 27 years, 8 month Navy career. During his career Red
was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expedition Medal
and various Campaign and Unit Commendation Medals. He retired from the Navy in July, 1970
as a Navy Captain (O-6).
After his Navy career Red continued to serve his country with the Federal Aviation
Administration. He held numerous positions including Air Carrier Inspector, Accident
Investigation Team Leader, and finished his career with the FAA as Head of the Flight
Standards District Office Florida. During his time he was qualified in numerous Commercial
Airline Aircraft and administered numerous “check rides” to Commercial Airline Pilots.
Red retired for the second and final time on December 31st, 1988 and built his “dream” home
on several acres on beautiful Lake Markham, Sanford, Fl.
Red was preceded in death by his wife, Billie June, who died 20 January, 2015, his brother
Elwood “Woody”, sister Muriel “Murphy” and brother Leo. Son Michael preceded him in death
in 1987. He is survived by his three sons, Jim, spouse Linda, Max, spouse Carrie, Tim, spouse
Joanie. He is also survived by his Grandchildren, Melissa Norgart Hargrove, Nicki Norgart
Peters, Brad Norgart, Scott Norgart, Robert Norgart, Andrew Norgart and Megan Norgart
Schoenemann, as well as 16 Great Grandchildren.
Red’s love of airplanes and aviation spanned his entire lifetime. His other passion was working
on cars and sharing that love with his Sons and Grandchildren.
A service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in the near future.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18