William ‘Bill' Norman

  Nov 16, 2004

GREAT FALLS -  William "Bill" Norman was born May 9, 1947, in Hollywood, the son of Oliver Jack and Alice (Shol) Norman.

At the age of 5, he and his mother came to Billings. He was baptized and confirmed at American Lutheran Church. He received his education in Billings, graduating from Billings Senior High in 1966. He married Gloria Slayton and to this union a son, Jason, was born. They were later divorced.

In 1968, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp. and served two years in Vietnam. He was awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry and the Combat Infantry Badge.

He worked in sales and most recently was employed as Assistant Manager of the Howard Johnson-Ponderosa Motel in Great Falls.

He died as a result of trying to stop a fight between a man and woman in the motel courtyard.

His favorite hobby was photography. He took great pictures of several weddings and family gatherings. He was an avid reader and loved to write letters. We will miss his newsy, humorous letters. He also looked forward to family picnics in the park and holidays with his large, extended family there.

He is preceded in death by his father Jack, grandparents Myrt and Bill Shol and his grandmother Delia Norman.

He is survived by his mother, Alice of Billings; his son, Jason (Liz); and granddaughter Joelle of Austin, Texas; and special friend Donna Harper of Great Falls. Also surviving are aunts and uncles, Lois and Ray Leone, Marilyn and Bob Dillon, Marge Stephens and Delores Kembel, all of Billings. He will also be missed by many cousins and friends.

Burial service with military honors will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at Mountview Cemetery. Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Ave., Billings.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to American Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.