Norman Lee Aper

Norman Lee Aper, 86, passed away on July 27, 2025, in Arlington TX. He was born on July 6, 1939, in Hartsburg, Illinois to John E.S. Aper and Anna Luken Aper.

Norm grew up in the Hartsburg/Lincoln, Illinois area. He graduated from Hartsburg-Emden Community High School in Hartsburg, IL in 1956.

Norm enlisted in the United States Navy on September 13, 1956, and served for 4 years. He served on a non-combative ship surveying oceans and was the recipient of a Distinguished Service medal and Good Conduct medal. He was honorably discharged on June 24, 1960. After the military, he returned to Lincoln, IL for the next 5 years.

Norm worked on farms whenever he could for the first year after returning to IL. He also worked at a cosmetic factory until he decided to move to Texas in August of 1966 where he worked various jobs. He worked for an air conditioning company from 1966 til the mid 80’s when he started his own construction business. In 1991 after a major heart attack and triple bypass surgery, he decided to work a regular 8-5 job doing maintenance for Baylor hospital in Grapevine where he stayed until retiring in 2004. After retirement, he really enjoyed life with his grandchildren and would babysit them as often as he could. Norm was an active member of Advent Lutheran Church and looked forward to attending service every Sunday.

Norm married Patricia Johnson on July 15, 1967, in Durant, OK. They were happily married for 56 years. He loved the precious moments he had with his family. He enjoyed working in his yard striving to make it look the best, gardening, hiking, camping, piloting small planes, walking at the mall and hanging out with the many friends he had out there. He also enjoyed going to his favorite restaurant daily and seeing all his friends there.

Norm was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Aper, his parents John E.S. Aper and Anna Luken-Aper, his brothers Weldon, Lowell, Melvin, Paul and Dale Aper and his sisters Doris Werth and Joan Richner and also a son Tracy L. Aper

Norm is survived by daughter Vicki (Jerry) Dronenberg of Chestnut, IL, son Terry (Cherie) Aper of Lincoln, IL, daughter Jennifer L. Holliday of Lincoln, IL, son Damon (Laurie) Aper of Granbury, TX, son Darren (Dana) Aper of Keller, TX, and daughter Jennifer Hooton of Arlington, TX. His 11 grandchildren, Shelby Harvey, Jonathan Aper, Ryan Aper, Joseph Aper, Anna-Kate Aper, Ronin Aper, Colton Holliday, Haylee Hooton, Kaleb Aper, Cory Aper, and Bailee Aper. His 6 great-grandchildren, Nyla-Kate Gibson, Charlotte Aper, Guinevere Aper, Dean Harvey, Karter Harvey, Maverick Harvey, Adelyn Aper, Josie Aper, and Ronan Holliday. Norm also had many nieces and nephews and other relatives in Illinois.

A memorial service will be held at Emerald Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park 500 Kennedale-Sublett Rd. Kennedale, TX, 76060 on August 13, 2025, at 10:00a. A visitation will be held August 12 from 6p-8p