Gary Elton Norton

1936 - 2025

Gary Elton Norton, known to his Norton nieces and nephews as Uncle Toby and his great grandchildren as the Teaser, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. He was born March 12, 1936 in Alba, Michigan, the fifth child of Leo and Iva Norton.

He married Bethany Whiteford on August 3, 1957 in East Jordan, Michigan. Early in their marriage, they made their home in Ludington, Michigan where they raised their three daughters: Juli, Jill and Amy.

As a young man, Gary worked on lower lakers until he went to work on the C&O carferries and, later, the railroad. Later in life he worked for Laman's Asphalt and Rieth Reilly until his retirement 27 years ago. Gary loved to fish! His love of fishing began with his family in Gaylord. It continued in Mason County, as well as along the Betsie River with his very dear friend, Al Kagey. He also enjoyed many hours in his woodworking shop and outside in his beautiful gardens (a talent he inherited from his mother). His greatest passion was time spent with his family.

Gary is survived by his wife, Bethany, and daughters Juli (Charlie) Daniels, Jill (Tim) Colthorp, and Amy (John) Lein. He also leaves behind his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Ian and Amy Fonnesbeck (Cole and Elle), Karl and Lindsey Fonnesbeck (Madison, Karson, Kooper and Karter), Leslie and Billy Middendorf (William and Owen), Mead and Emily Fonnesbeck (Wyatt and Waylon), Melissa and Mike Markin (Cayden, Kaedin, and Mikayla), Nichole and Lewis Ellwanger (Nora), Dustin and Chelsea Colthorp (Sawyer, Hudson, and Sailor) Lindsey Colthorp, and NoahDavid and Natalie Lein (Vienna and Sam). He is also survived by his sister, Judy Middleditch, sister-in-law, Diane Whiteford, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Dick (Jerry) Norton, Mary (Jim) Loughery, Charlie and (Monica) Norton, Bob Norton, and brother-in-law Roy Middleditch. In addition, he was preceded in death by his wife's parents, Hugh and Carol, and his wife's siblings: Natalie (Mike) Postmus, Suzie (Turk) Bennett, Larry (Eleanor) Whiteford, and Jack (Greta) Whiteford.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, with Don and Brenda Harvey officiating.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of services at the funeral home. www.beaconfh.com