David R. Norton

David R. Norton, age 77, a resident of Bloomsburg since 1963, died on Saturday evening, September 14, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family and under the care of Columbia Montour Home Hospice after a courageous battle with ill health. Dave was born on Sunday, February 23, 1936 in Clarks Summit, a son of the late Thomas K. and Mildred (Bryden) Norton, Sr. David completed his education in 1955 after graduating from the Abington High School. On August 28, 1959, David married his loving wife, Sandra Sykes Norton of West Pittston. For five years, Dave served his country faithfully with the United States Marine Corps Reserves. During the Korean Conflict, Dave served faithfully with the United States Army for two and a half years in Korea. After returning home from his time of service, Dave became the Manager of the former Dean Phipps Automotive Store in Danville. He continued forward with his career in the Bloomsburg Area. He was the Store Manager at the opening of the new Cole’s Hardware store on Main Street in Bloomsburg where he continued his employment for almost 30 years. Dave then spent the next 20 years of his life as the Customer Service Manager at Renco Ace Hardware Store in Bloomsburg. Dave loved serving and helping people while working, and they were always greeted with a contagious smile and courteous gesture. Dave loved spending time collecting antique carpenter tools and shopping at local antique shows, flea markets and auctions throughout the area. He was very passionate about restoring and refurnishing many antique pieces throughout his life, and was always willing to share that knowledge with others. Each year his home would become a Christmas Wonderland. He would spend months preparing and building a fabulous Christmas Village that was always enjoyed and fondly remembered by many neighbors, friends and family. Dave was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomsburg. Dave was the last surviving member of his immediate family after being preceded in death by his brother, Thomas K. Norton, Jr. in 1982. Surviving is his beloved wife of 54 years, Sandra (Sykes) Norton. Also surviving are three children: Susanne Norton of Bloomsburg; Bonnie Bucher and husband, Karl, of Goldsboro, NC; and David R. Norton, Jr. and wife, Alicia, of Chicago, IL; five grandchildren: Nichole May Call and husband, Nathan, of Greencastle, IN; Paige May of Bloomsburg; Olivia May of Manassas, VA; Kyle Bucher of Raleigh, NC and Justin Bucher of Chapel Hill, NC; and two great-grandchildren: Claudia and Rex Call. Words cannot express the admiration, the respect, the lessons learned, the joy and the love this husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather has brought to his family. A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, September 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg. Funeral services will begin on Thursday, September 19 at 11 a.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., Bloomsburg with his pastor, Rev. Dr. Gary D. Weaver, officiating. Friends will also be received on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. Graveside services will immediately follow in the Abington Hills Cemetery, Clark Summit. Memorial contributions in Dave’s name are suggested to: Columbia Montour Home Hospice, 410 Glenn Ave., Suite 200, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

David R. Norton

February 23, 1936 - September 14, 2013