John M. Norton of Greenwood passed away at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, Dec. 26. He was the son of the late James and Patricia Norton of PawPaw, WV.
John proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his military time, he became a devoted educator for over 40 years. During his career, he was a teacher in the Multi-handicap class of 1970. John then became principal of the Old Fields Center for Exceptional Children where he started the Sheltered Workshop in Old Fields and later became Special Education Director for Hardy County. In 1987, John became a special education teacher in Seaford until his retirement in 2005. He was appointed by the Governor of Delaware to serve on the Child Placement review board which fulfilled and continued his devotion to children.
John is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Norton; children, Amy Hamilton (Duane), Michele Jamison (Chris), Tiffany Carey, and Raymond Norton (Nancy); grandchildren, Chris Michael, Angel, Madison, Jonathon, Chris Jr., Nick, Damien, and Elizabeth; brothers, Jerry Norton (Juanita) and Brown Norton (Barbara); and a number of nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A graveside service took place on Jan. 7 at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro.
Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc., Harrington. Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to sign the condolence book.