Norton, Allen E. (Big Al)

Allen E Norton (Big Al), 65, of Anamosa, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at his home after a long battle with numerous bouts of cancer, a lifetime of poor decisions, many Bud Lights and way too many cigarettes. A Celebration Of Life will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at Wapsi Country Club. Come casual and in Hawkeye, Dallas Cowboy, St Louis Cardinal or USA colors. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Goettsch Funeral Home.

Survivors include his “Bride of many moons,” Vivian (Gray) Norton; two wonderful sons, Chad of Anamosa and T.J. (Tera) of Cedar Falls; five grandchildren, Kylie, Dallas, Ashlyn, Trace and Bryce; brother, Roger Norton (Mary) of Cedar Rapids; mother-in-law, Lorraine (Cooky) Gray of Anamosa; in-laws, Clarice Norton and Steve Gray of Anam and Jim and Mary (Gray) Russell of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Jessie (Hurt); a son, Mitchel; a brother, Wilfred (Buddy); father-in-law, David Gray; nephew, Jay; and his beloved Labrador, Mindy.

Al was born Nov. 3, 1947, in Anamosa, Iowa, to Neil and Jessie Norton. He married Viv on Nov. 12, 1966. He worked at Rockwell Collins for 42 years, retiring in 2007. He started as a machine shop helper and retired as a senior quality engineer. In hard times, he worked as a concrete laborer for Skip Bernet, bartender at Club Al-Lee and the Legion Club and outside maintenance at both Wapsi and Fawn Creek Country Clubs. Al enjoyed all types of hunting (from deer to mushrooms) and fishing. He especially loved the many trips to Canada to walleye fish with friends. He was a lifetime fan of Hawkeye football, Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals. Other than time with family, he couldn't find a more enjoyable time than Saturday at WCC watching Hawkeye football with friends. He loved the trips out west with Viv. He enjoyed gambling trips in Iowa and Laughlin, Nev. He loved golf. He was a member of the Eastern Iowa Golf Association and a member of the WCC team for 46 consecutive years. He won the annual tourney twice and the senior five times. He won multiple club and city tourneys at both WCC and FCCC. He was a proud member of EIGA and WCC Hall of Fames. He made great Kahlua. He will be remembered for his friendship, honesty and helping others.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established memorial funds.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 8, 2013.