Norman O. Smith

Norman O. Smith, age 80, of Peoria, passed away Sunday June 17, 2012 at 1:15 p.m. at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born Jan. 3, 1932 in Brownfield, Texas to William N. and Clemie (Richards) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bud Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anna, and his two sons: Steven (Natasha) Smith of Denver, Colorado, and Michael (Kellee) Smith of Houston, Texas. Also surviving are three grandsons: Remington , Alexander, and Everett Smith, two sisters: Neva Wade of Tyler, Texas, Norma (Lester) Kennedy of Olton, Texas, and one brother, TJ (Joyce) Smith of Olton, Texas.

After graduating from high school in Texas, Norman attended college at Texas A&M University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1953. After college, Norman served in the United States Air Force. After his service in the military, he moved to Peoria where he joined the Caterpillar Tractor Company. While working in South Carolina, he met and married his wife, Anna Menzler, Feb. 17, 1962.Norm worked for the service organization of Caterpillar for 40 years with job responsibilities that took him to places around the globe. This included locations in Switzerland, Scandinavia, North America, Brazil (Sao Paulo), and Japan (Tokyo). Norm retired from Caterpillar in 1995. Norm was a loving husband and father who cherished his family and always provided a warm home and loving family environment. He enjoyed tennis, golf, fishing, traveling, and reading. He also treasured spending time playing with his young grandsons. He enjoyed meeting and sharing life storied with everyone he met. He always told a good story, laughed and smiled a lot, and was a gentle man. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. All who knew him considered his friendship a blessing.Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be Thursday June 21, 2012 at 4 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association Please view Norman’s obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com