Jerry Lee Norton, 87, of Galesburg, died peacefully at 12:36 a.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at home with his family.
Jerry was born November 16, 1938, at home in Irvington, Illinois, the son of Walter Charles and Dorothy Frieda (Zink) Norton. He married Sara Ann Adams on December 20, 1960, in the chapel of the First United Methodist Church in Centralia.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Sara; a daughter, Carole Anne (Chuck) Buebe of Galesburg; a son, Richard Charles Norton of Galesburg; and three grandsons, David Evan Buebe, James Andrew Buebe, and Michael Owen Buebe. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty Jean Norton; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
After graduating from Centralia Township H.S. in 1956, Jerry went on to attend the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, graduating with a master’s degree in Geology in 1964. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Jerry enjoyed a 35-year career with Dowell, a division of Dow Chemical Company as an oil field engineer and salesman, retiring in 1999. Following retirement, Jerry continued to do consulting work for the company. He was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the U.S. Oil and Gas Association.
After moving to Galesburg, he became a member of First Lutheran Church. In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed classic cars, model trains, making stained glass, and was an accomplished woodworker. He will be remembered by his family for his warmth, humor, and as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Cremation will be accorded. The family will host a visitation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2026, at First Lutheran Church. Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Pamela Marolla officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or First Lutheran Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to assist the family with cremation arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
