Merle Diestelmeier Norman

Merle D. Norman, 92, departed this earthly life for his eternal reward on Monday, December 4, 2017 at FHN in Freeport, IL. Merle was born February 26, 1925 in Freeport to Broomsey and Nellie (Salter) Norman. In 1946, he met and married the love of his life, Earnestine (McGee) from Quitman, MS. To that union, three children were born: Merle Edward (deceased), Patricia Lynette of Freeport, and Clarence Burt (deceased). Merle attended Freeport High School but left in his final year of high school to serve in the United States Army where he was honorably discharged in 1946. While education was important to him, returning to high school after serving in the military was not an option because Merle went straight to work in order to help support his mother. However, in 2010, at the age of 85, Merle received his high school diploma, through the Illinois' "Operation Recognition" program. This program enables all World War II veterans who left high school to serve their country, to officially complete their high school education and walk across the stage in their caps and gowns. Merle was employed by Illinois Central Railroad, Fairbanks & Morse, Freeport Bottle Gas Plant, various construction companies, Eastside Recreation Center/Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Center and he retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 30 years of service. He served as the Asst. Director of the MLK Center for more than 20 years where he and the other staff provided a safe and nourishing environment for the youth in the community where young people practiced good citizenship and developing positive social skills. In all of his positions, Merle was well respected and appreciated for his dedication and service. He was a loving provider and a hardworking man who worked two jobs most of his life to provide for his family. Merle loved the Cubs, the Bears, and the Bulls. He was an avid sportsman and loved to play golf, fish, hunt, bowl, play softball, ice skate, roller skate and play horseshoes. He shared his love of sports with many of the youth in the community. Merle was community minded and served on the Freeport Water and Sewer Commission for many years. He was active in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and was a founding member of the Freeport Freedom of Residence (FOR) Committee where he served as President for several years. Whenever the Eastside was flooded, the community counted on him to be in the water with his boat, helping the flood victims to dry land and back. He was also ready to help those who needed his assistance. He was committed to serving the community of Freeport and received many awards and accolades for his dedication and service. Merle confessed Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. His father, Broomsey Norman, helped to organize this historic church in 1911. Merle served as a deacon at St. Paul for many years. As the consummate "handyman", many times Merle was called on to make repairs in homes throughout the community, as well as at the King Center and at the church. His skills were self-taught and much appreciated by all who called on him. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 71 years, Earnestine; his daughter, Patricia; his grandchildren: Monica Elise Smith and Dale Anthony Loomis of Rockford, IL; Michael Ed'Rick Norman of Freeport, IL, Valencia Frances (Ed) Mwangi of Lake in the Hills, IL, Curtis Kraft Norman of Freeport, IL, and Edward Emerson Norman of Alexandria, VA; one daughter-in-law, Anita Wright Norman of Laurel, MD; in-laws: Frank (Arnetta) McGee, Freeport, IL, Magnolia McGee, Quitman, MS, and Earnie Mae McGee, Rockford, IL; a host of caring and loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his Eastside Rec/King Center family from the 60s and 70s. Merle was preceded in death by his parents: Broomsey and Nellie; two sons: Merle E. and Clarence B.; three brothers: Tom, Vivret, and LaDell; and three sisters: Dora, Bertil, and Marietta. Services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 11:00 p.m. at St. Paul M.B.C.. Church at 607-641 East Stephenson Street, Freeport. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. on Saturday until the time of service. Officiating will be the Rev. Antwon Funches, Sr., Pastor of St. Paul M.B.C. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum, 2619 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. A scholarship fund has been established in Merle's honor at the Boys & Girls Club of Freeport and Stephenson County.