Alan (Al) Verne Norton, 84, of Columbia passed away on Wednesday September 4, 2019. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 9, 2019 at Missouri United Methodist Church. Reception to follow in the connecter area of the church. Burial will then take place at Memorial Park Cemetery at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Alan was born on August 16, 1935 in Dodge City, Kansas the son of Verne Norton and Ilene (Dillman) Norton. On June 13, 1954 he was united in marriage to Sandra (Hartman) Norton who survives. When they married Alan was a cattle farmer. He would return to school to become a teacher and a coach before getting a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative. It was at this time that the family moved to Columbia. Alan then embarked on a career as an agent with State Farm Insurance until his retirement. He was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club of Columbia and the Missouri United Methodist Church. He was an avid crappie fisherman and enjoyed frying and sharing his catch with family and friends. Alan was a man of few words but rather he was a “Doer”. He was a good listener, confidante and supportive friend. He will be remembered as someone you could always count on.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, Alan is survived by three daughters: Dina (Dan) Coffey of West Chicago, IL; Kay (Les) Johnson of Nixa, MO; Alana (Scott) Madsen of St. Charles, MO; eight grandsons: Nathan, Joshua, Barry, Stewart, David, Daniel, Nicholas and Quentin. He was preceded in death by one sister: Maxine Beery and one brother: Robert Norton.
Memorial donations can be made to Missouri Department of Conservation at P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 or Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. 9th Street, Columbia, MO 65201.
