Norman Compton

1929 - 2017

Norman E. Compton

St. George

Norman Earl Compton, 87, of St. George, Utah, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 21, 2017 at his Sun River home in St. George. Norman was born on November 29, 1929 to Charles and Gladys Compton in Elgin, Illinois. He married his high school sweetheart Maria George on June 14, 1952 in his hometown of Champaign, Illinois where he spent his first 25 years. She would forever remain the great love of his life. He is survived by his three children, Norton (Rebecca) Compton (Bow NH), Jenny (Gary) Grimsley (Springfield VA), and Gina (Gary) Bowen (Merritt Island FL), and 5 grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud.

Nicknamed 'Re-Pete" (twin brother Norton was nicknamed "Pete"), Norman was a high school football star halfback and a standout wrestler. He won three Big 12 Championships as a Champaign High School wrestler and as a Junior and Senior, Norman finished 2nd in the state. As a senior he separated his shoulder in the finals of sectionals, effectively ending his chances for the state title.

Norman was also a successful self-employed businessman, operating A&W Root Beer restaurants in Utica Michigan and North Las Vegas, Nevada. After retiring from the restaurant business, he and Maria spent 31 happy years in Williamsburg, Virginia before Maria's passing in 2002. There were a few less enjoyable moments however as Norman was noticeably disconsolate if the Washington Redskins had a successful season.

Norman moved to St George in November 2004 and was very grateful for the many friendships he developed over the 13 years within the Sun River and St George communities. He considered many of these friends an extended family and the enjoyment he derived from the friendships helped keep him going through his last years.

His attention to detail as a businessman carried through to his retired life in St. George. Perhaps to provide evidence to his children that he was eating well, he kept meticulous records for years on what he ate for every meal. Perhaps those archives will reveal his secret for longevity which, despite the COPD and emphysema, well exceeded the other males in his family tree.

Norman was a proud veteran and enjoyed participating in American Legion service activities while he could. Those wishing to make a charitable memorial contribution in his name may send it to American Legion Post 142, 3413 S. Bloomington Drive West, St George, UT, 84790.

His family and friends knew him as an exceptionally kind and gentle man. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him. Details on a Celebration of Life gathering in Norman's honor will be forthcoming.