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Donald Norton Obituary
Bay City, IL—Don, age 83, passed away at home on January 28, 2021 with his wife of 27 years, Donna (Eichorn) Norton by his side. Don was born on March 12, 1937 in Evanston, IL and adopted by Roy D. and Francis (Frey) Norton.
Don served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. After his military service, he attended Knox College where he was awarded one of five nationwide fellowships for academic achievement to attend University of Colorado at Boulder. He graduated with honors with a Ph.D. in Political Science. Don went back to Illinois to become a professor at Western Illinois university where he became a volunteer with the Young Republicans Club. Based on his leadership with the Young Republicans, U.S. Congressman Paul Findley invited him to be his administrative assistant in his Washington, D.C. office. When a vacancy opened in the Springfield District Office, Don went back to Springfield to run the district office. After 16 years with Congressman Findley, Don became the Marketing Director for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, followed by the Director of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, and Executive Director of the Illinois rural Bond Bank, a new agency he initiated. In 1994, he became the Director of the Southern Illinois Office of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. In retirement Don was owner/operator of the Bay City General Store and Lodging in Bay City, Pope county, Illinois, a place he dearly loved.
Don and his first wife Mary (Terry) Norton have two children, Theresa Norton Greco, of Springfield, Illinois and Donald R. Norton, Jr (and wife Beth) of Harrison, TN. Theresa has two sons, Joseph and Alex Greco. Donald has three girls Kaiti, Lauren and Madison (and husband Noah). Don has a stepson Jeremy Foy and his daughter, Sadie. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nancy Norton Phillips.
Aly Funeral Home is in charge of cremation and a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring at the Bay City General Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Norton
5 Entries
Thomas Wimberly
June 4, 2022
Just found out about Don´s passing. So sorry to hear it. RIP big guy! We had some good times working together on economic development projects for So. Illinois
Jan Scanland
March 13, 2021
Donna, my husband and Don were such good friends. Bruce passed December of 2017. I always thought a lot of Don when he came to visit. My sincere condolences to you and the family.
Steve
March 4, 2021
Thank you Don Norton. You were a huge part of my early life. Our Fathers gave us great leadership. Our Fathers were great role models. Our Fathers taught us responsibility and generosity. As Theresa said to me, we were blessed to have these great parents. We were all blessed to have each other. I am thankful for the legacy our families created. I am thankful for the lessons and guidance our Fathers shared. May God bless you and give you everlasting peace. Steve Wright
Floyd Hamilton
March 1, 2021
Don was a great friend. We both loved politics, and both Suported Congressman Paul Findly. Amy and I recall some great get togethers at Don and first wife's home. Don and I did endeavor to stay in touch with each other over of the years. Don was truly one of a kind. He will be missed. Amy and I send sincere condolences to all of Don's family.
BJ Murray
February 28, 2021
Theresa and Don, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Thoughts and prayers to you and your families during this time of loss.
BJ Murray (PPHS ‘83)
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