Merlin Norton

Merlin "John" E. Norton, 72, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 28, 2014 at Nebraska Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in Omaha.

Merlin Everett Norton was born on May 30,1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Hulbert and Rosa (Bradley) Norton. He was from a large family of six boys and one girl. He had a difficult childhood after being taken from his parents at a young age. He was the only one that was never adopted. Merlin did accept Jesus Christ and in doing so became adopted by his Savior and became one of His sons. Merlin found comfort in Jesus Christ and looked forward to his eternal home.

On June 28, 1975, he was united in marriage to Mary Louise McKee in Fonda, Iowa. Merlin and Mary lived in northwest Iowa until moving to Atlantic in 2013. Over the years he worked for a feed company and drove a cement truck, but the majority of his career was spent as a janitor at various public schools. Due to health reasons he retired from Marcus, Meriden and Cleghorn Schools by Cherokee, Iowa.

In Merlin's spare time he loved reading and watching Westerns, and was fond of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. He was always up for any game that included cards.

Merlin is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary; sons, Johnny Norton of Atlantic, IA, and Brian (Arliss) Norton of Manning, IA; daughter, Brenda; grandchildren, Trey, Makayla, and Issac Norton; step-grandchildren, Danyel, Travis and Jacob Griffith; brothers, Merrill (Sarah) Derrington, Larry (Mildred) Nation, Leslie (Barb) Nation and Gary Fisher; and numerous other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hulbert and Rosa Norton; sister, Irma Loghry, and brother, Frank Gene Reynolds.

A Celebration of Life will he held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Roland Funeral Home is caring for Merlin's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Merlin E. Norton
“John”

BORN
May 30, 1942
Des Moines, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
Friday, November 28, 2014
At the age of
72 years, 5 months & 29 days
Atlantic, Iowa

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Roland Funeral Home
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Diane L. DeSmidt

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Peace in the Valley”
“If That Isn’t Love”
“Life’s Like a Mountain Railroad”
“Highwayman”

LUNCHEON
Merlin’s family invites friends & relatives to join them
for lunch immediately following the service at Roland’s.