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Obituary

Donald Kim Norton

July 22, 1956 - November 23, 2019

Douglas Ray Shaw

Donald Kim Norton, 63, of Chardon, Ohio, departed this earth on the afternoon of November 23, 2019, after an ATV accident while hunting with family. In his wake, he leaves a legacy of joy, love, and humor that reaches from the Gulf Coast to the Canadian boundary waters and from one ocean to the other.

Kim was born in Dothan, Alabama, to Don and June Norton and moved to Clinton, Mississippi, as a child. He was married to Stephanie Leigh Box on June 3, 1978, and blessed with three children in the years that followed, Carley Marie, Joshua Kyle, and Nicholas Ryan. Growing up in Mississippi, Kim often stated that he would never live more than an hour from the Big Black or the Mississippi Rivers. However, he learned the truth behind the old adage, “never say never,” as he moved through adulthood in Louisiana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Arkansas, Nebraska (again), and Ohio. Through the moves and travels, Kim touched thousands of lives with his unassuming kindness and gentle strength. His coworkers remember all the “Norton-isms” that brightened their days, while his family remembers the unending love that he showed them and the example that he set in approaching the troubles of this life. His favorite place in the world was in a boat, catching fish with his family and friends, all of whom have cherished memories with him.

Kim loved Stephanie with everything he had. He spoke highly and often of her, as well as his children, grandchildren and parents. But the most important thing in Kim’s life was his relationship with the Creator. Kim did not tell people he met about the great love that God gave us through Jesus; instead, he demonstrated that love by meeting their needs, offering a shoulder to cry on, a hot meal, a trip to the woods or the lake, a prayer, or just an ear to listen. Kim fought the good fight throughout his life and he finished the race set before him and took hold of his crown of righteousness. While he is sorely missed by all who knew him, Kim walked humbly with his God and sits now at His table.

Kim was preceded in death by his mother, June. He is survived by his father, Don; brother, Kris; wife, Stephanie; three children, Carley (Brad) Lafler, Josh (Adriana) Norton, and Nic (Nicole) Norton; eleven grandchildren, Luke, Halle, Ella, Kaleb, Owen, Ana, Sofia, Alex, Jackson, Juliet, and Oliver; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebratory gathering will be held at Camp Sonshine near Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sunday, December 1st with food and fellowship from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2nd, at Roper & Sons funeral home at 40th and Yankee Hill in Lincoln, Nebraska. In Kim’s honor, please come as you are—blue jeans are welcome. Complete details and updates, as well as hotel block information can be found here: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kimnortonfbclid=IwAR3LFXMZsrAPDkatkZIJrDFZzckLTk1-9uI7oJGtDXluq8nxj1HGDG9KQ6A.

Rather than flowers, the family requests that all whose lives were impacted by Kim follow his example and meet the needs of someone with whom they come into contact, whether financially, emotionally, or spiritually, without hesitation. A memorial fund has also been established at First State Bank (details are available on the Caring Bridge link above).

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