Brian Lee Norton

Brian Lee "Tony" Norton, 66, of Columbia City, died peacefully at his home at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025. Born on March 11, 1959, in Marion, Ohio, he was the son of Joseph C. Ray and Doris L. (Trout) Norton. Growing up in Fort Wayne, he attended South Side High School and later earned a GED. Tony was a member of the Indiana National Guard. On August 23, 1980, Brian married Johnnie Rose Shipley. They made their home in Bluffton where they raised their kids. They then moved to Old Hickory, TN. Johnnie died on May 15, 2017. That same year, Tony moved to Columbia City to be closer to family. Self-employed as a handyman, he worked for various realtors repairing homes and improving their curb appeal, doing landscaping. A loving and caring man, Tony was the guardian for one of his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and following the Miami Dolphins and Indiana Hoosiers basketball games. In his younger years, he liked to dance, especially country dancing. He leaves behind his children, Duane Shipley, Daniel Shipley, Brian Elam, and Tiffany Norton; 14 grandchildren, including his ward grandchild, Brian L. Norton Elam; and sisters, LaDonna Garza, Tina Noorani, and Teresa Grace. Additionally, he was preceded in death by a son David A. Lee, and siblings, Diana Simmons, Dennis Norton and Kenneth Norton. The family will hold a celebration of life on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Columbia City, IN. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Brian Lee Norton, please click here to visit our sympathy store. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Brian Lee Norton, please click here to visit our sympathy store.