Leo Norman

NORMAN, Leo James - Age 90, A proud resident of Genesee Gardens - Flint, died at his home on Thursday March 22nd, 2018. A Memorial Service will be held at 12 PM Thursday March 29th, at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd, Flint. Visitation will be 10AM until time of service Thursday at the funeral home. Full Military Honors will follow at 2PM at Great Lakes National Cemetery 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI. Memorial contributions on his behalf may be made to the Veteran Association of Genesee County. Leo was born in Dundee, Mi, the second child of Norena and James Norman on June 5, 1927. After the traumatic loss of his father at 7, his mother married David Monk, who provided his love and security to the family. In death, he is preceded by his parents James and Norena Norman; stepfather, David Monk; brother, Harvey Norman; beloved daughter, Kathi Sabraw, and though with still more family lost, most recently; his loving wife Ava Norman. At the tender age of 17, Leo James Norman heard the call, and joined the Navy. He served on an LCM in the Pacific during WWII, 1944 - 46. This experience secured his involvement with following organizations. The USO-Member in good standing; Lifetime Member of VFW Swartz Creek Post #3720; USS LSM-LSMR Assoc.; US Submarine Veteran WII; as well as, his Lifetime membership with the Masonic Order of Saginaw #77. Returning from the war a fresh faced man of the world, he met a woman who would become the love of his life, Ava Lamb, who he married on the afternoon of October 18th, 1948. Together they would have 4 children, David, Kathi, Jeff, and Jennifer. Leo had a deep interest in stamp collecting, history and a love of travel. This took his family on many adventures exploring our United States, even to far away Hawaii. Providing for his family and his many travels, he worked as a railroad engineer with CSX for 33 years having bridged the gap from steam engines to diesel, before finally retiring in 1986. During his career he also gave his time in defense of fellow members as General and Local Chairman and representative of their union, The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Div 51 of Saginaw. Somehow, finding time between family, work, and travel, he was an avid golfer, during the years living in Flint Twp. he had a witnessed and recorded "Hole in 1" at Grand Blanc Country Club. He served as course marshal in the Buick Open and he went on to marshal for other high profile golf events. The Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, and the Skins game to name a few. This was during the "Snowbird years" when he and his wife, Ava, towed a 5th-wheel camper to live many winters at the Catalina Spa Resort in Desert Hot Springs, CA. Extensive illness and eventual loss of his eldest daughter, Kathi, brought them back to Michigan where they took up residence in Flushing, Pinewood estates where they spent many peaceful years. Failing health concerns prompted the assistance of a caring staff at Absolute Home Health Care and Hospice. The family thanks them for the tireless and tender care they supplied that made these last year's more joyful than was thought possible. Leo was known and loved for his depth of character, large stature, broad smile, warm demeanor, and firm handshake. A trustworthy and respectful neighbor. Those whom he called friend knew his priority was that of his extensive family. He is survived by his step-sister, Alice Irene Ackerman, and many nieces and nephews through her and also through his brother, Harvey's children; Tim Norman, Cindy Riggs, Pat Norman, Matt Norman, and Coleen Elvey; their spouses and children. Leo and Ava's children, their spouses, and the grandchildren respectively: David Norman (Nancy), stepsons, Matt and Aaron Keating, and son, Chris Norman (Mavis); Son-in-law, Rick J Sabraw (Kathi deceased), Rick S Sabraw (Tarah), Amanda Sprinkle (Andy); Jeff Norman (Denise), Jacob Norman, Colby Norman, stepdaughter Jessica Whitney-Kading (Myles); Jennifer Trovillion (Bret), Jordan Trovillion, Colin Trovillion. Also, many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Thursday, March 29, 2018 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center
6063 Fenton Road Flint 48507, United States

Funeral Service

Thursday, March 29, 2018 12:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center
6063 Fenton Road Flint 48507, United States