Norman Noel Spurlock (1917-2016)

SPURLOCK, MCFARLIN

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 8/6/2016 at 19:49:07

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Norman Noel Spurlock was born July 29, 1917 to Robert and Rosy (McFarlin) Spurlock in Douglas County, Missouri in the Ozark Mountains near the Missouri/Arkansas border.

He had several jobs while growing up—hauling milk in an old truck 53 miles round trip winding through the hills. He also was a bus driver with his dad’s school bus. This is where he met his future wife, Bobbie (Nancy Elizabeth) as she rode the bus to school. Norman also was a mechanic at a local garage.

At age 18, Norman joined the Three C’s (Civil Conservation Corps). He helped plant trees, every five steps along Mills Creek, in Walla Walla, Washington. He helped build a fire wall in Idaho.

Norman was on his way to see Bobbie when news came on the radio about Pearl Harbor. He was drafted at age 21 and served in the 39th, 43rd and 6th Engineers Division of the 3rd Army. He served in several countries—Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, Philippines, Japan, and New Guinea. He saw General Patton many times. Norman helped rescue the Austrian Lippazon Stallions so they wouldn’t fall into the hands of the Russians. He was on the ship that was next to the USS Missouri and watched when Japan boarded the ship to sign surrender papers.

Last fall, Cindy was visiting with Norman about his being in the Army. Cindy asked if he was glad that he served his country. Norman’s response was “If I got another letter from my President to serve again, I would.” He loved his country.

Norman and Bobbie were married May 29, 1947, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. They went to Hooper, Nebraska to visit Bobbie’s mother and a sister. Norman took on a temporary job at Northern Natural Gas and retired from there 35 years later in 1982.

Norman and Bobbie moved to Fremont, Nebraska in 1989. Bobbie passed away in 2002. Norman moved to Story City in 2003.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bobbie of 54 years. Left to treasure the memories of Norman and Bobbie are their children Norman Louis (Cindy) and Noel Lee (Pam). Grandpa and Grandma enjoyed watching three grandchildren grow up--Elizabeth, Shaun and Caitlin. Norman looked forward to special visits with great-granddaughter, Peyton Elizabeth.

Funeral Service
JUL 13. 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Soderstrum Funeral Home Story City
618 Lafayette Ave
Story City, IA, US, 50248

Cemetery Details
Hooper Cemetery
NE

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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