Dennis Lee Norton

Dennis L. Norton died unexpectedly on April 20, 2025, at Colonial Oaks in Spring Hill, KS at the age of 77. He was born on March 14, 1948, in Tecumseh, NE. He was born to Marion (Landon) and Elmer Norton. Dennis’ father died in the Korean War in 1951 and Dennis was raised by a single mother.

Dennis’ family moved to Topeka, KS in 1955, where Dennis went to school, graduating from Topeka High School with the class of 1966. Upon graduation, he furthered his education at Washburn University with a BS in Social Work and then a Masters in Rehab Counseling from Emporia State University.

Dennis worked at Topeka State Hospital where he met Jeanette and they were married on July 29, 1972. Dennis and his family then moved to Paola, KS, where he was employed with Osawatomie State Hospital. From there, he moved to Wellsville, NY, Medicine Lodge, KS, Leavenworth, KS and then back to Paola, where he then finished his career working with the intellectually and developmentally disabled as the Director at TRI-KO in Osawatomie, KS.

Dennis was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Paola and BPOE (Elks). Dennis was a savvy pool player. He played in local leagues around the area with Kevin Kasper and many other dear friends. Dennis loved following his granddaughters, supporting them at all of their sporting events, especially softball. Dennis could always be found sitting right behind home plate “helping” the umpires throughout the game and cheering on whichever granddaughter was playing softball there.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Richard Norton and Charles Kesinger, and daughter, Patricia Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Norton; son, Mark Nelson and wife Karen of Paola, KS; granddaughters; Stephanie (Jake) Conner of Paola, KS, Natalie (Tyler) Ketzner of Paola, KS, Mallorie (Sheldon) Jacks of Gardner, KS; and great-grandchildren: Jamie, Josie, and Justin Conner, Maren and Avery Ketzner, and Marlowe and Maeve Jacks; sister-in-law, Sandy Norton and nephew Chris Kesinger and family.

The family will have a visitation on May 13, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00pm at Dengel and Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel. A celebration of life will follow at 6:00pm. Burial will be scheduled for a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions to be made to the First Lutheran Church of Paola or the Special Olympics.