Jacque Harry Norman was born on May 19, 1924 in Crawford, Nebraska. He was the third child born to Harry and LaRue Thomas Norman. He departed this life on October 8, 2013, at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs, SD at the age of 89.
He spent his school years at Windy Hill in Whitney, Nebraska and high school in Crawford, Nebraska. He was drafted into the US Army in September 1944 and was assigned to the 184th Infantry in the Pacific. He survived numerous battles including the battle of Okinawa, was wounded, and received the Purple Heart. He was discharged November 2, 1946.
On June 30, 1949, he married “the pick of the litter” JoAnne McWilliams at the Crawford Methodist Church. They spent their entire married life on their ranch south of Whitney. They raised two children, Mac Henry Norman and Muffy Norman Gregg. Jacque was a member of the Eagles, the American Legion, ELKS, the VFW, and also served for a time on the honor guard in Chadron.
Jacque loved his family’s tradition, friends, animals, his land, telling stories, dancing, and a good fight. He spent many days watching his kids and grandkids at their sporting events and never missed a horse race if he could help it. Jacque may not have always been right, but he was never in doubt. His laugh was infectious and he challenged his grandkids to a pushup contest on his 80th birthday. The posts on his ranch still bear the scars of fire went bad. He dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that lovingly called him “Papa” and they will miss their days with him.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, JoAnne; his son Mac (Linda) Norman of Bridgeport, Nebraska; his daughter Muffy (Bob) Gregg of Kearney, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren and their spouses; 23 great-grandchildren; three sisters Mary Jo Thompson of Lusk, Wyoming; Joy Isham of Colorado Springs, CO, and Gloria Lopes of Junction City, OR; nieces, nephews, and special friends, Ed and Cheri Hildebrand of Casper, Wyoming; sister-in-laws Shirley Lindholm and Norma Norman; brother-in-law John Lopes.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, mother and father-in-law Fannie and Everette McWilliams; Brothers Tom Norman and Con Norman, and Sister Margaret Moss.
A celebration of the life for Happy Jacque Norman will be held at 2:00 PM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron on Saturday, October 12, 2013. A cheerful gathering will be held following the burial at the Whitney Cemetery at the Eagles Club in Crawford.
A memorial has been established for the Whitney Methodist Church or the Donor’s Choice. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.