Larry Gene Norton, 83, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, April 22nd, 2022.
Larry is survived by his wife Virginia (Susie) Norton of Ozark, their son Brad Norton and daughter-in-law Kathy of Chicago, Illinois; daughter Cheryl Doran and son-in-law Dwayne of Springfield, Missouri; sister Carolyn Davault; five grandchildren, Cheston, Taylor, Alicia, Ryne, Hunter, and two great grandchildren, Tristan, and Raiden. Larry was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to everyone. He is preceded in death by his parents Hillard & Helen.
Larry loved sports. In high school he was a star player in basketball, track, and football. Additionally, he played trombone in the high school band during halftime. He graduated in ’57 from Mt. Vernon High School. According to a fellow graduate (Vic Koeneman) the class motto was “Tough as nails, sweet as heaven, class of 1957!”
He enjoyed playing softball as well as watching his granddaughter pitch. He was a long-time bowler and did not miss his twice-weekly league. He was very accomplished at the sport with three perfect games of 300 and several 299 games. His last 300 game came at the age of 78! He loved playing golf with his family and friends while enjoying a few cold beverages. He enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the St. Louis Cardinals & the Kansas City Chiefs.
Larry was always there to help family and friends with household projects or whatever else they needed. He had a candid sense of humor. His timing with his stories and anecdotes would light up the room with laughter. Those who knew him will tell you his stories were the kind you could not forget.
Larry’s lifetime career was in the boating industry although, ironically, he did not care for the water. He was a long-time employee of Walt’s Boats and Motors of Springfield/Nixa. He was the Parts Manager and knew boats inside and out.
Visitation is at Greenlawn South on Monday, May 2nd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
A special Thank You to the staff at Glendale Garden Nursing & Rehab.