Bernard D. “Ben” Norton, age 83, of North Platte, died July 17, 2015 at Centennial Park Retirement Center. He was born on February 22, 1932 in Valley Falls, Kansas to Ross and Beulah Belle (Alcock) Norton.
Ben Began his career driving trucks in the Valley Falls area. He entered the US Army, serving during the Korean War as an MP. After his discharge, he returned to Kansas where he married Phyllis N. Clark in Kansas City, MO in 1956. The couple lived in Winchester, KS until 1971, where Ben worked for the Lansing, KS Penitentiary. They then moved to North Platte where Ben worked for Consolidated Freightways. In the 80’s they were transferred with CF to Lincoln. Ben also worked with the Borden Potato Chip Company in Lee Summitt, MO. They eventually moved back to North Platte where Ben finished out his career with Armadillo, retiring at age 77.
He enjoyed crossword puzzles and working with his tools, but his true love was driving over the roads in 18 wheelers. Ben will be remembered as having a big heart, and always helping those around him.
Survivors include a son Tom (Doreen) Norton of North Platte; a daughter, Katherine (Robert) Trembly of Hershey; 7 grandchildren, Mike Norton, Tommy Norton, Richard Norton, Tim Norton, Johnny (Megan) Norton, Caleb (Amy) Trembly, all of North Platte, and Megan Trembly of Hershey; 11 great-grandchildren, Jamie, Fabian, Alexander, Christopher, Nicholas, Keedyn, Avery, Jaedyn, Kaylee, Karlee, and Rylee; a sister, Bernita Miller of Merced, CA; a brother, Robert (Sue) Norton of McLouth, KS; sister-in laws, Joan Peters of Lee Summitt, MO, and Jean Clark of Winchester, KS; a brother-in-law, Paul Lindsay of Liberty, MO; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; siblings, Wilma Lines, Beverly Shatswell, Wanda Jackson, Cecil Norton, Willis “Bill” Norton, and Russell Norton.
A memorial has been established to the VFW Post 1504 in North Platte, and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial Graveside Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday July 24, 2015 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with full military honors. Register book signing will be Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.