Clifford Jerald Norton Jr.

Clifford J. Norton Jr (Shorty) was born 13 October 1933 in Harrisburg PA to parents Clifford J Norton and Mary C Summy. He was raised as Little Rising Sun by his mother, a member of the Susquehana Hannock Iriquois Indian Tribe. As a young man he took part in many Indian events such as teaching girls how to care for babies and events to promote the sale of Liberty Bonds. He was a guest of President Franklin D Roosevelt at the World's Fair in St. Louis MO in 1939 representing his tribe. He was later dubbed as Chief Rising Sun.

Clifford passed away on Feb 1, 2025 at his home in Victorville CA surrounded by members of his family. He was 91. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne Norton, daughter Paula Schlange and grandson Bryan Schlange.

He leaves behind 2 children, daughter Vickie Misaege (Frank) and daughter Theresa Weaver (James). He's also survived by 6 grandchildren, Connie Ma-Woods (Damian), Tracy Gee, Dawn (Albert) Fernandez, Joseph Misaege (Lauren), Cierra Bogdis (Nicholas) and Lorna Weaver.

He's survived by 11 great grandchildren, Anthony Ma, Phillip Fernandez, Justin Gee, Dante Woods, Vincent Woods, Marissa Fernandez, Allison Gee, Bryanna Fernandez, Joseph Misaege Jr, Marlii Misaege and Vayle Bogdis.

Lastly, he's survived by 4 great, great grandchildren. Breanna Owens, Blakely Ma, Ryder Fernandez, Oakley Fernandez.

Clifford entered the United States Air Force in 1950. He initially served as a baker in the base dining halls, but cross trained into aircraft maintenance. He serviced both propeller and jet engine aircraft. He married LaVonneLaRoe on May 5, 1955. Together, they had 3 daughters, Paula, Vickie and Theresa. His assignments included Chanute AFB II, Elmendorf AFB AK, Plattsburg AFB NY, Roswell AFB NM, Harmon AFB Newfoundland, March AFB CA, Anderson AFB Guam, Shaw AFB SC and March AFB CA.

He retired from the Air Force after 23 + years of active duty. He entered civilian life as "Mr Fix It". if he couldn't fix it, nobody could. He was a strong man, both physically and mentally. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather & great great grandfather.