Norman E Dwight

Covenant missionary to Taiwan for 35 years, died in Turlock on Wednesday November 10. His life began on January 9, 1925 in Hubei Province, China where his parents, Albert and Elna Dwight, served as missionaries with the Covenant Missionary Society of China. At age 11, Norman and his family left his childhood home in a period of unrest as the Japanese military was entering China. He attended Hilmar High School as a member of the class of 1944. When he turned 18, Norman was drafted into the Army Air Corp where he served as a tail gunner on a B26 bomber in the 344th bomb group in Europe.

In February of 1945, while on his second mission, his plane exploded when hit by anti-aircraft flack. Norman parachuted out of the plane. He was the only crewmember to survive, but he landed with a broken leg and was captured and placed in a POW camp. His camp near Stuttgart, Germany was liberated in late April of that year. Because of this experience, Norman opened his eyes to God’s calling on his life.

After the war Norman met and fell in love with Martha Eastman of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Norman attended North Park College, Sacramento State College (CSUS), and North Park Seminary. He and Martha married in 1947. After his ordination, Norman and Martha were commissioned by the Evangelical Covenant Church to serve as missionaries in Taiwan.

Norman arrived in Taiwan in 1955. He relearned the Mandarin language he had picked up as a child and was able to minister to the many refugees who had come across the Taiwan Strait after the communist takeover of China. He worked to establish and support churches throughout Taiwan. In the 35 years that Norman served in Taiwan, his generous and patient guidance was a key factor in establishing the Taiwan Fellowship of Covenant Churches as a self-governing denomination.

In 1990, Norman and his wife retired from missionary service in Taiwan and established their home in Turlock. He enjoyed six years as chaplain at Brandel Manor before moving into Covenant Village.

Martha, his six sons, (David, Steven, Philip, Donald, Paul, and Timothy), his five daughter-in-laws, his 18 grandchildren, and his seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews remember so fondly his kind and peaceful spirit. When he was younger, he took his family on hiking and camping adventures and told jokes that made them laugh and wrote funny poems that rhymed. Mostly he modeled a Godly heart.

Visitation-2PM-8PM, Monday, November 14, 2011 at Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Chapel,

Memorial Service-2PM, November 15, 2011 at Hilmar Covenant Church, 20056 W American Ave, Hilmar.

Burial will be private.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service, Turlock, CA.