Norman L. "Tooter" Tuttle

PRESQUE ISLE - Norman "Tooter" L. Tuttle, 45, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2011, after a tractor trailer accident in Schuylkill County, Pa. Tooter was born Sept. 10, 1965, in Montgomery, Ala., son of Lewis Tuttle and Virginia Sellars, and Lynwood and Alberta Tuttle. Tooter spent most of his childhood in Texas until he moved to Washburn at age 15. He attended school in Washburn and Presque Isle, and was a graduate of Presque Isle High School, Class of 1984. Tooter served three years in the U.S. Army and upon his return to the area worked at McCain foods, attended Northern Maine Community College's CDL course and began his 17-year career as a long haul trucking operator. For the past seven years and at the time of his death, Tooter was employed by R.F. Chamberlain, Inc. out of St. Agatha. He looked forward to his weekends at home as he enjoyed spending his time of with his wife and best friend of 23 years, Kelly. Tooter will be remembered by family and friends for his carefree personality, his love of laughter and sense of humor. He always wore a smile and was always willing to lend a hand. Four years ago, Tooter and his wife began attending Presque Isle Wesleyan Church where he found the love and support of many new and lifelong friends. He enjoyed the time that he spent with his church family delivering Thanksgiving meals to those in need and enjoyed weekly phone calls with fellow church members every Wednesday evening while on the road. In addition to his wife, Kelly L. (Crawford) Tuttle, Tooter is survived by his children, Travis John, age 28, Christopher Michael, age 23, and Katherine Margaret, age 21, all of Presque Isle. Tooter is also survived by one grandson, T.J., age 1, also of Presque Isle. His children and grandson brought him great pride and joy and he loved them with all of his heart. Tooter is also survived by his father, Lewis Tuttle of Waurika, Okla.; his brother, Patrick and his fiancee, Kellie, and their three daughters of Lauton, Okla.; and his sister, Norma Jean and his special brother-in-law, Don Porterfield, of Waurika, Okla. He is also survived by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Kathy and Mike Crawford of Presque Isle; a sister-in-law, Kerry and her husband, Steve Spooner; as well as two very special nieces, Kelsie and Kerstee Spooner, all of Presque Isle. He also leaves behind many other aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces. Tooter was predeceased by his biological mother, Virginia; and his parents, Lynwood and Alberta Tuttle. He will be greatly missed by his friend, Ricky Johnston, who traveled many a mile with him throughout the years. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, April 25, at Presque Isle Wesleyan Church, Centerline Road, Presque Isle, with Pastor Darren Bonville officiating. Friends may call noon until time of service Monday at the church. Immediately after the service a reception will be held in the church fellowship hall. Interment will take place at a later date at Johnson Cemetery. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.


This obituary was originally published in the BDN Maine.