John Delven Norman

John Delven Norman, 56, of Carthage, IL, passed away at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at home, after a short time on hospice. He was born on May 16, 1969, in Burlington, IA, the son of Ronnie Renee and Judith Ann (Hays) Norman. On July 21, 1995, he married Kristin Snyder at Grace Bible Church in Dallas City, IL.
John attended Union High School and then went on to attend Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, where he graduated with a degree in history. While there, John played trumpet for the WIU Marching Leatherneck Band.
A long-time, over-the-road truck driver, John was dedicated to his work. He learned from and started out team driving with his dad at Vermillion Brothers in Keokuk, IA. He had most recently been employed by Sharkey Transportation out of Quincy, IL. When his hearing loss got to the point of requiring a hearing exemption in order to retain his CDL, John was transferred to Formad Warehouse in Fort Madison, IA, where he primarily operated a forklift and drove, locally, on occasion.
Over the course of his life, John enjoyed collecting and reading classic literature, collecting train memorabilia, fishing, playing the piano, and watching Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as football. Some of his fondest memories include those where he and his family attended the St. Louis Rams training camps held on the campus of Western Illinois University.
While John was not a member of a local church, he grew up in the church and had attended church into adulthood. He would tell you that he didn't always live the Christian life, but that he enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. In his last days, he said it was like a wall had come down, his sense of pride gone. He, most notably, confirmed that Jesus was his Lord and Savior, and he expressed great sadness for many of his life choices. He quoted Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." He acknowledged that he hadn't always lived this out, but he made it a goal of his in the end and stated that God was using his illness for good.
John is survived by his wife, Kristin, of Carthage, IL; a son, Jace Norman (girlfriend, Sydney Grotts), a daughter, Karli Norman (fiancé, Jay B Ready), and a daughter, Aneisha Murphy (husband, Jackson), all of Carthage, IL; his parents, Ron and Judy Norman of Oquawka, IL; two sisters, Becky (Jim) Ruberg of Burlington, IA, and Cherie Norman of Oquawka, IL; his mother-in-law, Cinda Snyder of Dallas City, IL; and two brothers-in-law, Kirk Snyder of Warsaw, IL, and Keith (Brittany) Snyder of Carthage, IL. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Carl and Elsie Norman; his maternal grandparents, Delven and Eula Hays; and his father-in-law, Don Snyder, as well as by other beloved relatives.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, IL. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, IL, with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery, also, in Carthage. Casual attire is encouraged for both the visitation and the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Evangelical Free Church of Keokuk, Blessing Hospice, HUGS of Hancock County, Blessing Foundation, or to the family for expenses.
Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.