Dennis Allen Norton

Dennis Allen Norton, 75, of Williamsburg, Kansas, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.

Dennis was born April 1,1947, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Arlo Everett and Gladys Irene (McCurdy) Norton.

Dennis grew up in Williamsburg, where he attended school for 11 years, then graduated from Melvern High School. He joined the United States Navy in May1965.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Venita Arlene Fanning, August 23, 1965, at Williamsburg Methodist Church. Following their marriage, he was stationed on the USS Ranger, and served three tours to Vietnam. Dennis was honorably discharged in May 1969. Dennis and Venita returned to Williamsburg in 1979 after residing in Overbrook for 10 years.

Dedicated to his community, Dennis served much of his adult life as a firefighter, fire chief, first responder, and storm spotter for the city of Williamsburg. He served as mayor and a member of the city council for many years, until the time of his death. Through his service, he was instrumental in establishing the community library and revitalizing the city park. He spent 15 years as a coach, coaching his son in baseball and three daughters in softball. He also enjoyed time behind the plate, umpiring hundreds of games. Dennis was an avid fisherman, loved attending his children and grandchildren’s sports and activities and cherished time playing poker and games with the family. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Dennis was employed as a manager at Ottawa Tire from 1980 to 1994 then worked for Ottawa Ford as an auto service technician for thirteen years, retiring April 1, 2008.

Survivors include his wife Venita, of the home; children, Jeff (Kelly) Norton of Springfield, MO, Jill (Bret) Skeet of North Kingstown, RI, Sabrina (Brian) Grewe of Overland Park, and Katrina (Ryan) McGivern of Topeka; sisters, Darla (Travis) Altic of Williamsburg and Debbie (John) Kleoppel of DeSoto; grandchildren, Zach (Ashley Fain) Norton, Sydney (Quentin) Gonzales, Ashley Norton, Alaina (Matthew) Stutzke, Bailey (Garrett) Rain, Emma Grewe, Eli Grewe, Brady McGivern, Reagan McGivern and Mallory McGivern; five great grandchildren, Miley, Drake, Holly, Lily and Hunter.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, Williamsburg, Kansas.

Family will greet friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 27, 2023, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa, Kansas.

Interment will follow the funeral service at the Melvern Cemetery, Melvern, Kansas.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Williamsburg Community Building c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.