Jerry Melvin Norton

Jerry Melvin Norton, age 86, passed away December 11, 2023, of causes incident to age. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 21, 1937, to Charles Melvin and Blanche Knudsen Norton. Jerry married Kathleen Cutler on June 10, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have been married for 65 years. Survived by his wife Kathy; children Michael (Tammy) Norton, Cheryl (Steve) VanBibber, Laurie (John) Dallon, Kim (Dave) Booth, Craig (Amy) Norton and Crystal (Dustin) Wixom; 27 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister Judy Njord. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Carol Lou, and great-grandson Collin.

Jerry spent his childhood in Salt Lake City, Brigham City, and Lynndyl, UT and Caliente, NV, where his father worked as the roundhouse foreman for the Union Pacific Railroad. He had many wonderful adventures as a child, and loved to tell about his dog Sparky, his sister’s cat, lovingly nicknamed “Satan,” and of it “raining cats and frogs.” He attended South High School in Salt Lake City, where he met Kathy. During high school, he joined the Utah National Guard. After graduating from high school in 1956, he worked as an Electrician Apprentice for the UP Railroad. Due to his intellect and skills, Jerry was soon assigned Journeyman duties. After he and Kathy married, Jerry graduated from Officer Candidate School in the Utah National Guard. His unit was called to Active Duty during the Berlin Crisis; afterward, he was invited to serve full-time. During his 31-year career with the Guard, he served in many capacities, including Commandant of The Utah Military Academy, Comptroller and State Training Officer, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was very well-respected and highly regarded by his peers. After retiring from the Guard, he served the State of Utah in Emergency Management for 10 years. He enjoyed working with the many county emergency services personnel throughout the state. He helped coordinate the response for numerous emergencies, as well as security for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

Jerry’s most passionate calling was that of Father, and later Grandfather. Jerry and Kathy welcomed six children to their family. They enjoyed many fun vacations together to places like Southern California, where he taught military training courses, Yosemite, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe. Our family especially loved our many adventures on the lakes in Utah, including regular trips to Lake Powell. Jerry taught numerous family and friends to water ski (“Arms straight! Knees bent!!”) Family is very important to Jerry and he loved being able to plan gatherings with his posterity, especially at Christmas. He supported his children and grandchildren in their many sporting events, music recitals and concerts, marching band parades and competitions, plays, choirs, and graduations. Anything they were involved with, he wanted to be there to show his love and support! He enjoyed being with his family! He had a wonderful sense of humor, and his eyes twinkled as he would share jokes and tall tales. His posterity was his pride and joy!

In addition to his love for his family, Jerry loved the scouting program. He enjoyed taking the boys on adventures throughout the year, whether in the blazing heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter! He was a dedicated Scoutmaster for many years and encouraged his sons and grandsons, as well as many of his scouts, to attain the rank of Eagle. He loved to cook with Dutch Ovens and laughingly told the mantra, “When it’s brown, it’s cooking; when it’s black, it’s done.” He himself was awarded the Silver Beaver. Jerry was very patriotic and instilled his love of our country in his family and others. Jerry was also an avid runner and member of The Utah National Guard marathon team. He completed the St. George and Deseret News marathons multiple times, along with many other races. He helped as a race coordinator with the Ouelessebougou charity run for several years. All that running helped him keep up with his kids and scouts for many years!

After his retirement from the state, Jerry and Kathy served as missionaries for 3 years in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission, where he served as Vehicle Coordinator. How he loved the missionaries! His sense of humor served him well as he taught driving safety and responsibility.

He served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including bishopric counselor, missionary, temple worker, and scoutmaster. He was a member of the Sons of Utah Pioneers and loved serving there.

Jerry was a dedicated son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and disciple of Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 19, at 11:00 am in the East Millcreek 15th Ward building, 3750 S Hillside Ln, Millcreek, UT. Visitation will be Monday, December 18, from 6-8 pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial, 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT and Dec 19 from 9:45-10:30 am at the church prior to services.