Joseph George Norton
Oct. 23, 1923 - Jan. 14, 2010
A celebration of life for Joe Norton, 87, was held Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the VFW Post 336 in Ordway. Interment of remains followed at Fort Lyon National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Joe passed away Jan. 14, 2010 in Pueblo.
Joseph George Norton was born Oct. 23, 1923 north of Olney Springs to Alfred and Halla (Laughlin) Norton. He was the eldest of seven children. He lived most of his life in the area and attended country school through the eighth grade at Grandview north of Olney Springs. Joe served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was stationed in Manilla during WWII. After returning from the war he married LaGurna Wright at Highland Baptist Church on Nov. 20, 1947. The family remained in that area until 1965 when they moved to Salida.
In 1983 Joe and LaGurna returned to Ordway to make their home.
Joe was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #336 in Ordway, He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing Brown's creek and all the area lakes and reservoirs. He also enjoyed hosting fish frys for all of his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife LaGurna, his paretns, and a brother, Jack.
Survived by his children, Roger (Juanita) Norton of Wichita, Kan.; Malinda (Wayne) Rusher of Ordway and Marlene (TOny) Machado of Greeley. Grandchildren, Kelli Jo Rusher, Ordway; Heath (Amanda) Rusher, Ordway; Brandy (Bob) Edmonds, LaSalle and Tanner Machado, Kingsville, Texas. Joe was also blessed with four gret-grandchildren which he truly enjoyed. They are, Kaycee and Koree Edmonds and John and HArley Rusher. Other survivors include Katherine Armstrong, Olney Springs; Phyllis Rawls, Fowler; Ferrell (Clay) Edens, Boone; Jake (Sheila) Norton, Fowler and Jerry (Karen) Norton, Boone. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and VFW comrades.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Ordway VFW Post #336 or your charity of choice. Memorials may be made directly or through Griffy Family Funeral Home in Ordway.
Ordway, Colo. —
