Dr. David Lawrence Norman

Another fantastic person departed the world. With forehead kisses from sister Marion and son Brian, Dr. David L. Norman, born August 15, 1943, to parents John Henry Norman and Marion Ruth Norman, departed our earth on September 10th, 2022. David had a very humble beginning…his family survived the Great Depression Era from the tireless efforts of his father a Carpenter, Tool & Die maker, and bare-knuckle boxer in the Chicago area as well as his 4’10” mother who, despite her size, was an immense personality, with a contagious laugh who together forged a successful livelihood for seven children. Tucked into a home built by his dad, Dave’s older siblings had first choice of rooms. David, the youngest, was admittedly scared of his assigned basement room. He shared colorful stories of how he and brother Jim would be terrified of every little noise. After graduating from York High School in Elmhurst, IL, Dave took on the challenging job of carrying mail for the U.S. Postal Service in Chicago. After a year and many grueling miles on foot, Dave finally grasped the importance of earning his college degree. He enrolled and was accepted at Eastern Illinois University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology! Of humorous note – he never had anything to do with Zoology since earning that degree. It is likely that David was distracted from choosing a meaningful degree after meeting his college sweetheart, and first wife, Carma Lee Braundmeier! While an “Aviator” during the Vietnam War, David somehow found the time to make a family and eventually became the proud parent of Brian Norman and Karen Gentry. Dave led his family on many adventures throughout the U.S.; California, Florida, and Virginia became repeat homesteads throughout their lives. An overview of David’s Naval accomplishments are as follows: *1966 – Joined the U.S. Navy: Naval Flight Officer in the P-3 and S-3 airframes *1968 – Patuxent River, MD: Served in the Vietnam War as a notoriously successful submarine chaser/hunter *1972 – Pensacola, FL: Navy’s Flight Instructor of the Year...nicknamed “Downs Norman”, the most thorough and difficult instructor…he was known to “down” pilots with less than adequate performance *1974 – North Island, CA: Pilot in Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 *1976 – Pensacola, FL: Chief of Naval Education and Training *1979 – The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.: Naval Air Systems Command, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering *1981 – Orlando, FL: Naval Training and Equipment Center, Lieutenant Commander *1985 – Orlando, FL: Office of the Secretary of Defense, Training and Performance Data Center *1988 – Orlando, FL: Commander, Naval Training Systems Center *1991 – The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.: Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, and Training *1994 – Fairfax Station, VA: Selected for O-6…but turned down for retirement David’s Educational Accomplishments: *Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology: Eastern Illinois University *Master’s Degree in Education: Pepperdine University, California *Doctoral Degree in Aerospace Psychology: Nova University, Florida Orlando, FL (’82-’91) became the longest area lived in by the family…and was responsible for many of the family’s happiest memories. It was in Orlando 1983, that “Scientist” Dave helped guide his son and daughter to simultaneous Seminole County Science Fair wins as well as a Florida State Science Fair win! In case you are wondering, Zoology was not the Science topic that won… Orlando is also the location where Dave honed his Halloweening skills! On numerous occasions his “actions” resulted in repeated visitations by the local Longwood Police Department. The police eventually got to know dad so well, that they brought their own kids to the house during the Trick-Or-Treating seasons! Dave loved to push the boundaries…one Halloween, he broke off a Bic Shaving handle, thrust it (not the razor, c’mon people!) into an apple, and presented it to a 3-year-old Trick or Treater…in front of the parents! Yes…that resulted in one of the police visits. On yet another memorable evening, he was visited by a cute 4-year-old, dressed in a Princess costume and carrying an old-style plastic pumpkin basket…David felt that her basket wasn’t full enough…so he went to the kitchen refrigerator, and placed a completely full 2 Liter bottle of Coke into the young Princess’ basket. It was so heavy, the poor girl dropped it to the ground…the parents and other kids laughed so hard! Dave loved using his creativity to make children happy. Especially his children. Easter and Christmas were always magical…Brian and Karen were often stumped by the Level 10 hiding places for Easter Eggs…I mean c’mon Dave…no one under 4’6” looks on top of the kitchen cabinets! However, as adults, Brian and Karen can find anything…we probably should have pursued careers in investigative reporting. Additionally, Xmas gifts were often not what they seemed. Big boxes…the type that excite young children were often filled with mundane, disappointing gifts like socks…however, the small boxes…that’s where the fun stuff was at. The small boxes were filled with notes, hints, and clues which led us to awesome gifts like bikes, golf clubs, and sporting gear! It's important to discuss that Dave had an alternate personality…Dave was also a “stinker” (Carma’s words). He always had a smirk on his face right before he was about to endeavor along a mischievous route. David loved fireworks and explosives…and regularly smirked before grabbing his partner in crime (Brian Norman) to run off into the woods and light them off! Again…yes, the police were called…however, they never caught them…the Norman boys were always fast! Dave also was notorious for engaging in snowball fights which ended up causing property damage to several neighbor’s homes. Packed Ice! Yep, that is what he chose…because it flew further. David was a man of complex feelings. The first time his kids ever remember witnessing him cry was when his mother passed away in 1981. David often buried his emotions deep…however, simply couldn’t hold back during difficult times. 1995 was an especially difficult year for David. His closest brother, and partner in crime while growing up, Jim passed away unexpectedly…leaving dad feeling empty. Additionally, he witnessed the difficult passing of Karen’s first husband Jonathan Gentry…a warm and loving son-in-law. Finally, when Carma’s dad passed away that same year, it seemed that David had been changed…there was a visible increase in his seriousness for his remaining years. David retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994 as an O-5, Naval Commander. His passion for computing ultimately led him to start his own business, InfoVision, where he wrote, taught, and updated, database programs for The Federal Aviation Administration headquartered at Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C. for over 10 years. His work laid the foundation for how modern flight programs across the world collect, track, analyze, and report safety related data. Dave and Carma discovered their retirement playground in the Villages, FL in 2001. David became a grandparent on 2 January 2004, when Melissa Norman was born. It didn’t take Dave long to share his love of ice cream and coke with his first granddaughter. Parents Brian and Sevgi left Melissa (5 months old at the time) with David for only a short time as they went out for some food. When they came back home, they were greeted by their daughter’s Publix-brand Chocolate Almond ice cream covered face. In 2006, Dave would experience the birth of his second granddaughter, Aleyna Norman. Aleyna shared a warm bond with “grandpa” …on one occasion, when Brian, Sevgi, and Melissa went out shopping, Aleyna didn’t feel right about leaving grandpa alone…She told her parents that she wanted to stay with grandpa…Dave, never to ignore an opportunity, took Aleyna out for a movie and popcorn…and of course an event ending Chocolate Almond ice cream! In 2011, David discovered that he would be a grandparent yet a third time…this time to his first grandson…Emre Norman. Grandpa gave Emre the ride of his young life (1.5 years old) on his Zero-Turn Lawn Mower! Emre is now a lover of every imaginable roller coaster ride! Dave also shared his amazing love with daughter-in-law Sevgi Norman…he often, in his David Norman-esque joking way, would crack jokes and challenge the family to physical tests. One time in late 2005 at his Georgia home…David challenged the entire family to a “stretching” competition. Only Sevgi measured up to David’s outstanding physical conditioning and garnered his hard-earned respect! David often created fun-filled moments which brought upon joyous laughter from the entire family. David fully retired to the Villages, FL in 2004. Although “fully” retired, David’s work was far from over…he and Carma regularly volunteered (on a nearly full-time basis) in Homeless Shelters and Kitchens, providing food to those in need. They were both ardent supporters of their church. In 2007, Dave and Carma had to take a break from their retirement when Carma began having health issues. Simultaneously, Carma’s mother, was being transferred to an Assisted Living facility. They relocated to Highland, IL so Carma could be close to mother and family. After overcoming, the first illness, Carma sadly contracted an aggressive and terminal disease which forced them to stay in IL until Carma passed away in 2014. David slipped into depression after losing his college sweetheart and wife of 48 years. With his kids away, David sought out help in “Grief Share” classes. It was in one such class in 2016, where God introduced him to his present wife, Elsie Turner Grant. Elsie had also lost her husband Robert Grant (’15). After dating for one year, they married on June 17, 2017. The marriage brought together the Norman and Grant families whose sons were both active-duty Air Force members. David was immediately adopted into the Grant family with loving and open arms. Dave often spoke highly of his stepson Scott Grant and step-grandchildren Robbie and Tyler. Scott and Debbie adopted David as their own father showing their love in word and action. Popcorn, nuts, and candy were a common gift during important days…these were some of dad’s favorite! Especially, “Cracker Jacks”!! As expected, David had a special attachment to young Hayden…his only great-grandchild. Dave constantly prayed for Hayden and loved him as his own. Sadly, after only two years of marriage, David was diagnosed with an illness which required admittance into Memory Care. In 2015 Dave played his last round of golf with son Brian, in September of 2018, David willingly turned in his car keys…never to drive again. In March 2019, he began needing assistance walking. In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, he was admitted to Memory Care, where he was unable to receive visitors for almost 1.5 years. Family visits were often limited to talking through windows. In August 2022 he stopped eating ice cream and cake. During the entire difficult ordeal Elsie remained faithful, loving and provided David the care he needed and deserved! Elsie willingly put her own retirement hopes and dreams on hold to take care of Dave. On a nearly daily basis, she brought comfort items, food, never missed an important holiday or occasion, and simply sat and chat with him…even though many of the conversations were one direction. In the end, Elsie was Dave’s “Rock” …never faltering…always acting from a place of love. While in memory care, Dave was notably and regularly the hymnal singer and bible study leader for the other memory care patients. Listening to hymns would become David’s routine when agitation set in…quickly calming him. Although his illness challenged his short-term memory…David’s long-term memories remained strong. He never forgot his dog “Stubby” or the words to many popular Christian Hymns. David often sang “How Great Thou Art” (a family favorite) word for word. Additionally, he recognized and remembered the names of his current wife Elsie, two children Brian & Karen, stepson/daughter Scott and Debbie Grant, three grandchildren Melissa, Aleyna & Emre, step-grandchildren Robbie and Tyler, daughter-in-law Sevgi, first wife Carma, little Hayden, and sister Marion up until God called him home on 10 September 2022. David was known by several monikers: -“Crazy Davy” – coined by Norman-side nieces and nephews -“Downs Norman” – feared Naval flight instructor…known for enforcing the highest standards -“My Favorite Uncle” – several Norman and Braundmeier-side nieces and nephews -“My Golf Partner” – Brian’s life-time golf buddy -“Coach” – by the five little league baseball teams he coached (’77-’82) -“Smartest guy I know” – assisted living friend Jack -“The Halloween King” – one Longwood Police Department Officer and several close neighbors David was preceded in death by: *His parents: John Henry and Marion Ruth Norman *His brothers and sisters: Bill Norman, Jim Norman, Dick Norman, Jayne Kindl, and Nancy Norman *His wife: Carma Norman *His son-in-law: Jonathan Gentry *His father and mother-in-law: Arthur and Lonita Braundmeier *His sister-in-law: Beverly Hartke (The Villages, FL) *His brother-in-law: Arthur Braundmeier II *His nephew: Ralph Hartke David is survived by: *His current wife: Elsie Grant Norman *His son and daughter: Brian Norman and Karen Gentry *His daughter-in-law: Sevgi Norman (wife of Brian) *His son-in-law: John Vaught (husband of Karen) *His stepson and stepdaughter: Scott and Debbie Grant *His grandchildren: Melissa, Aleyna, and Emre Norman *His step-grandchildren: Robbie and Tyler Grant *His step-great-grandchild: Hayden Grant David Lawrence Norman, you loved Jesus Christ, your family, friends, and many strangers…you were an inspiration to many…your life mattered…you, your smile and incredible sense of humor will be dearly missed! Visitation for Mr. Norman will be held Saturday, September 17, from 9:30 AM to the start of the service at 10:30 AM at Fairway Christian Church. He will be laid to rest in Martinsburg, WV and Springfield, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Vitas Healthcare (Hospice), 1950 Laurel Manor Drive, Rte. 135, The Villages, FL 32162 or Fairway Christian Church 8400 E. County Road 466, The Villages, FL 32162. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Lady Lake, Florida.

Dr. David Lawrence Norman

August 15, 1943 - September 10, 2022