Norton Stephenson

Norton Stephenson, 89, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2014 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Norton's wishes were to be cremated and have private family graveside services. Norton was born September 4, 1924 in Lenox, Iowa to Norton and Gladys (May) Stephenson. He married Ione Reynolds on June 1, 1946 in Ottawa, Illinois; she passed away June 9, 2007. He proudly served in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division in the European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign; earning the rank of 1st Sergeant. He was awarded several medals including the Silver Star. He was a member of American Legion. He is survived by three children, Patricia (Jerry) Hannigan, Norton (Lori) Stephenson, and Joanne (Steve) Crank; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ione; his parents; two sons, Jerry Lee Stephenson in infancy and John Stoudt; and one sister, Vivian Lewis. Memorials may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.