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BORN
1954
DIED
2012
Norton Southerd Obituary
LEXINGTON: Norton "Sonny" Lee Southard, 58, of Lexington, died Monday, July 30, 2012 at his home, following a lengthy illness.
Norton was born June 26, 1954, in Mansfield, to Charles L Southard and Shirley A. Parlette. He attended Madison High School and was a truck driver for Golden Hawk of Crestline. He was an avid race car driver, fisherman and hunter with his three beloved beagles, Jack, Sissy and Smokey. He enjoyed riding his Harley, and enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest every day. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Penny Southard. They had celebrated 33 years together this past February. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Lori Jo Southard, Ankneytown, and her children; one son, Bruce Lee Southard of Lexington, and his daughter Riley Southard; his mother, Shirley Parlette of Mansfield; one brother, Rex (Beth) Southard; three sisters, Colby Burkhart and John Leedy, Dana (Vic) Shenberger, and Bobbie (Shawn) McNamara; two nieces, Thunder Burkhart and Sharley (Lee) Foster and their daughter, Lilly Foster and Hannah Shenberger; and three nephews, Ethan Southard, Hunter McNamara, and Noah McNamara.
Norton was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, James and Lilly Southard and Leonard and Dorthy Johnson; one uncle, James Walter Southard; and one nephew, Brandon Drake.
According to Norton's wishes, he is going to be cremated. Family and friends may celebrate his life on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Little Washington Congregational Church, 2323 Washington S. Rd. (corner of Hanley and Washington S. Rd). Family is requesting casual attire. The church will be open for food donations on Friday afternoon and Saturday. Werner-Gompf Funeral Services ltd, 1106 Park Ave. East, Mansfield, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at the church to the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.wernergompf.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norton Southerd
Milton Johnson Jr
August 6, 2012
So sorry for your loss. God be with you.
Lori Gertel
August 3, 2012
A father and Husband will be deeply missed.
sarah edwards
August 3, 2012
penny so sorry to hear about your loss you and your family are in our prayers
August 3, 2012
Penny,Bruce and families,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.May the many memories
give you peace.Norton is probably still laughing on the many curvy motorcycle trips we did together and all the truck driving stories.Please if you need anything give us a call.
Alan & Shirley Oswalt, Bellville,Ohio
Roy & Juli Craft
August 2, 2012
Penny and Bruce, I am so sorry for your loss; please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Carrie Northover
August 2, 2012
Penny and Bruce,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Norton. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
August 2, 2012
Shirley and family,
We are saddened at the loss of your beloved Norton. We will always remember the good times we had when Norton drove truck for Russ. We are certain that he is in a better place and will be waiting for all of you in heaven. Take care and may you find comfort and peace through God.
Carl Harper and Pat Stotts
Nancy Oldfield
August 2, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Barb Skinner
August 2, 2012
Penny and Bruce, Tabby called me last night with the news. I am so sorry to hear this. My heart and Prayers go out to the 2 of you and the rest of the family. You know if I still lived in Ohio I would be there on Sat. Since I can't be there just imagine me giving you both a big hug and kiss on the cheek.
Tom & Debbie Pettry
August 2, 2012
We are so sorry for the familys loss of Norton, I've known Norton since Dana and I have been friends yrs ago. Shirley has been like a second mom to me and I love all of you! You will be in our Prayers.
JANE HENRY
August 2, 2012
My prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. Norton and I went to school together and my husband drove for Golden Hawk also. May you find peace that he is in a better place.
Renny Alexander
August 2, 2012
Penny and Bruce,I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
August 2, 2012
Penny, I am so saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. Your friend, Cindy Tome, Crestline,Ohio
Tara Thompson
August 2, 2012
Sending my thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. I have known Norton and family, his mom and siblings for a long time and my heart goes out to all of you.
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