John Wesley Van Norman Sr.

John Wesley Van Norman, Sr., 92, Kansas City, KS, passed away October 3, 2003, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 8 at Maple Hill Cemetery. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Maple Hill Funeral Home. John was born in St. Joseph, MO, and had lived all of his life in the Kansas City area. In his early years, John was active with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop No. 2024, Kansas City, KS, and later held the title of "Committeeman" assisting hundreds of boys achieve higher ranks. He was well known for his Boy Scouts "Knot Board" which displayed over 30 different knots tied in rope on a board in the shape of the BSA shield. John retired from the Water Pollution Dept. in Kansas City, KS, but worked most of his time for John Morrell Meat Packers. During World War II, John was supervisor of the Propeller Dept. for North American Aviation Corp. in Kansas City, KS, producing B-25 bomber airplanes. John has several inventions to his credit over his work career and received many awards. He was given one such award during WWII, presented in person by the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C., and the well known pilot Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, who told those present he wouldn't fly a B-25 unless he knew John balanced the propellers. John loved country music and played several instruments, but liked the guitar most of all. He called square dances in surrounding Kansas and Missouri towns in his younger years. John helped many with his "handyman" capabilities, saying "there's always a better way". He was a surrogate father to many nieces and nephews and a wonderful "Uncle" to many more children, and will be truly missed. John was preceded in death by his wife of over 70 years, Vernie Van Norman, son Roy Van Norman, and daughter Norma Jean Van Norman. Survivors include son and daughter-inlaw John, Jr., and Margie Van Norman, Lincoln, CA, and son Robert Van Norman, Bradenton, FL; daughter and sonin-law Viola and Gerald Wilson, Weatherby Lake, MO; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters. (Arr. Maple Hill Funeral Home, 913-831-3345)