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Norman Denny

Norman Denny, 85, of Jasonville, IN passed away at 4 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019 in Exceptional Living Center of Brazil, IN. He was born July 29, 1934 in Jasonville, IN to Augustus “Dock” Denny and Nellie (Hutchison) Denny.

Norman married Anna L. (Stevenson) Denny and who passed away on April 27, 2019.

Survivors include his son, Randall Denny (Judy) of Florida; grandchildren, Reginald Denny (Johnna) and Steven Denny; great-grandchildren, Rahne Denny, Conner Denny (Morgan), Kehan Denny; sibling, Frank Denny (Karen) of Campbellsville, KY; sister in-law, Beverly Denny of Aurora, MO; brother in-laws, Warren Stevenson (June) of Lewis, IN, James Stevenson (Mary) of Niles, MI; sister in-laws, Wilma (Stevenson) Cochran of Coalmont, IN, Vivian Stevenson of Shelburn, IN.

He was preceded in death by his wife Anna (85), father “Dock”, mother Nellie, brothers-Freeman Denny, Everett Denny, sisters-Hazel Fox, Rosemary Russell and June West.

One of seven children, Norm and his family lived through the difficult economic times of the Great Depression and rationing to help our military overseas during WWII. Norm learned to drive coal trucks to help the family at an early age, where he began to discover his innate skills in mechanics and engineering. As soon as he was able, Norm enlisted into the U.S. Military, joining the newly formed U.S. Air Force on April 23, 1952. After completing basic training, Norm married his sweetheart, Anna Lucille Stevenson on December 27, 1952 before starting his advanced training at Lowry AFB in Colorado. He completed his training in gunsight and radar tech for bombers in May 1953 and was stationed in South Korea before being transferred to Okinawa, Japan. Norm and Anna welcomed their son, Randall Leon, in June 1954. Norm remained in the Air Force until February 1956 and was honorably discharged from Lowery AFB as an Airman 1st Class.

Using the skills taught and honed in the Air Force, he took a civilian job with Bendix Products as an experimental lab technician, testing electronic components to be used in the military. Norm was soon recruited by the Martin Company and worked for them at various locations across the country-working on the electronic systems for what would become the Pershing Missile System. With Martin, he was trained to use and service a variety of early computer data systems to ensure proper military specs and uses. After Martin, Norm held a variety of jobs that kept him interested-from working on computer systems for banks, to computer systems at Cape Canaveral, to working on propulsion systems on the early days of the U.S. Space Shuttle program. However, Norm was always drawn back to the more mechanical skills he had acquired. He worked for Yale Forklift Systems and was then hired as the Maintenance Manager for Wal-Mart’s main distribution center during their rise to national prominence during the late 70’s – early 80’s.

After Sam Walton’s passing, Norm chose to concentrate his skills at smaller companies like Eckerd Drugs and an assortment of heavy equipment service companies. Norm’s variety of jobs lead to he and his family living in a number of locations across the country, including Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and his favorite – Florida. Norm retired after running his own forklift service company in Ocoee, FL.

Norm and Anna were married for 67 years and every one a new adventure. Norm truly loved being around his family, especially after his grandchildren were born. He and Anna were never too far away from Randall and his family. He also loved working/tinkering on antique cars – a love he has passed on through to multiple generations.

Arrangements are entrusted to Michael W. Cox, Cox Funeral Home; 218 South Meridian Street; Jasonville, Indiana. Visitation is scheduled from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Funeral Home, Funeral Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2019 with Pastor David Smith officiating.

Interment will be at Friendly Grove Cemetery in Lewis, IN.

In lieu of flower contributions may be made in memory of Norman to the Friendly Grove Cemetery Fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.