Norman was born on November 18, 1946 in Neodesha, KS the son of Nels and Mary Jane (Whitehead) Anderson who preceded him in death. 2He served in the United States Army as a Specialist 5 (E-5) from 1967-1970 during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; Air Medal; Expert Rifle M-16; Vietnam campaign Medal; 2 overseas bars and Expert Machine Gun M-60. Norman was enlisted as a radio repairman, he shared that he was bored, because all the radios were brand new and there was nothing to repair! He was stationed in the South China Sea in Chu Lai along with the 71st. Assault Helicopter Company “The Rattlers”. The Helicopter Company was short a door gunner and Norman volunteered to fill in and flew on many missions during his time in Vietnam at which point he became one of the “The Rattlers”.
Norman spent his childhood growing up in Wichita, KS. Norm had no formal education, but he made a name for himself as a young man who could repair anything including farm equipment. Norman and his cousin Clay T. Whitehead could be found building Hamm Radios in his upstairs bedroom as a child. Norman was friends with Clyde Cessna and helped fabricate parts for airplanes. He also worked alongside the Koch brothers as an engineer. Ford-New Holland got wind of Norman’s talent and offered him a position with their company. He was certainly an asset and created a mechanism that would keep their baler equipment from jamming up the bailing wire. Norman retired at the early age of 52 and could be found golfing daily at Railwood Golf Course or going to his buddy’s house, Denny known as “Cubby” or Don known as “Cowman” helping himself to a cold beer out of their refrigerator even if they were not home. He later became co-owner of Railwood Golf Course for a few years.
Norman was a well-known for his humanitarian efforts. He often donated his time to the Hospice House in Jefferson City, Mo as a handyman. He was genuinely loved by those that knew him. He had many hobbies including wood turning with a lathe and bird watching.
Survivors include: one sister, Caroline West of Kissee Mills, MO; several nieces and nephews; his beloved cat, Ms Kitty and three special friends, Kimberly Jones of Holts Summit, MO, Dennis McCubbin (Dorothy) of Holts Summit, MO and Don Lewis of Osage City, MO. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Albert John Anderson.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11:00 am at Railwood Golf Course in Holts Summit, MO with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mexico Veterans Home, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251
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