Rev. Norman Bernard Nethers

Rev. Norman B. Nethers, 92, of Columbus, went to be with the Lord on September 3, 2024 of late stage dementia. Norman was born February 11, 1932 in Mount Vernon, OH to Carl and Leona (Young) Nethers. 

He graduated from Valley Forge University (formerly EBI) in 1953 with a Bachelor’s degree in Ministry. Norman was an ordained minister for 70 years with the Assemblies of God and pastored churches across Ohio and New Jersey. Throughout his ministry Norman counseled and married so many couples, including his own three children; he was the Great Lakes Regional Commander for the Royal Rangers, a boys organization affiliated with the church (similar to the Boy Scouts) going on many a campout, and was also known as “Big Fox” in the Frontiersmen Camping Fraternity; he also was known for bringing the puppet “Squeaky the Church Mouse” to children’s church and vacation bible school for the kids.

 Outside the church Norman was just as active, pole vaulting in high school; running marathons; collecting coffee mugs; playing chess; loved his various family dogs, especially hunting with Whitey; driving a school bus; being a driving instructor; riding his motorcycle; working many years as a test driver and gate guard at TRC/Honda in Marysville; playing the role of Simon Kenton in an outdoor drama; riding horses; playing his harmonica; taking the family on vacation every summer for 2 weeks all across the US; the memory care facility lovingly called him “Stormin’ Norman”; and he was an avid fan for The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians attending many of their games.

 Norman is survived by his daughters Sharon (Bruce) Ellsworth and Gail (Edward) Waldeck, and his grandchildren Caden and Karissa Nethers. Norman lived a full life always serving God and teaching us the values of life to live by: respect, gratitude, patience, honesty, humility, joyfulness, courage, love, generosity, acceptance and accountability. He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends. 

Norman was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Dorothy (Tomko) Nethers and his son, Benjamin Nethers. 

The funeral will begin at 11am on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Newcomer Northeast Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43231. The visitation/showing will be prior to the service from 10am to 11am. Burial will be at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at www.bellacarehospice.net, or mailed to Bella Care Hospice Celebration Life Foundation, 110 Polaris Pkwy., Ste. 302, Westerville, OH 43082. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.NewcomerColumbus.com.

Norman's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here. to view the service.