Norton, Richard Lee, Sr. 1946-2014

NORTON, FRAZIER, MECK, JOHN, BUTLER, VAN MEER, RUPP

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/26/2026 at 16:58:02

Richard Lee Norton, Sr.
September 30, 1946 - January 1, 2014

Richard Lee Norton, Sr., 67, son of Joseph Meck & Josephine Frazier, was born September 30, 1946 in Iowa City, Iowa. He passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2014 in Linden, Iowa.

Richard married Joan Ellen John on December 11, 1970 in Santa Anna, CA. To this union three children were born. They lived in California for a few years before moving to Missouri. Richard worked as a truck driver. Richard and Joan divorced in 1979. On February 14, 1980, Richard married Udena Gay (Butler) Van Meer in Reno, NV. They lived in Adel for a very short time before moving to Linden in 1981. Richard continued to be a truck driver for 12 years until 1989 when due to an truck driving accident, he was unable to continue driving. Richard completed a welding program at Des Moines Area Community College on September 25, 1981 and a woodworking class through Easter Seals at Camp Sunnyside.

Richard enjoyed woodworking, welding, his motorcycle, and going to different flea markets selling his woodworking and snow cones. Richard loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. His family was very important to him.

Richard is survived by his wife, Gay Norton; 2 daughters, Laura & Ellen Norton both of Panora; 1 son, Richard Norton, Jr. of Guthrie Center; 5 step-children, Brenda (Tom) Rupp of Michigan; Shelly Van Meer of New York; Shelby Van Meer of Linden, IA; Victor (Stacy) Van Meer of Lorimor, IA; and Vincent Van Meer of Linden, IA. 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Brothers, Danny & Wilbur Norton and step-father, Warren Norton, all of Panora. He was preceded in death by his mother Josephine Norton.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our Tree Store.
Events
Visitation
Sunday, January 5, 2014
2:00PM - 3:00PM
Twigg Funeral Home - Panora
219 E. Main Street
Panora, IA 50216
Funeral Service
Sunday, January 5, 2014
3:00PM - 3:45PM
Twigg Funeral Home - Panora
219 E. Main Street
Panora, IA 50216
Donations
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Tribute Wall ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register, Des Moines, IA 05 Jan 2014.