Lester Lloyd Norman

Lester Lloyd Norman, 85, died peacefully on March 17, 2022. He was born August 11, 1936 in Petersburg, MI. He was a long time resident of Toledo, OH, through 1997. Lester retired to Florida in 1998 upon completing his solo navigation from Lake Erie and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in his Bayliner boat. He last resided in Fort Myers. Lester was preceded in death by parents, John M (of Columbus, OH) and Edith Alida (Gruber) Norman (of Delphi, IN) and beloved siblings Milton Ray, Melvin Jay, and Dale Gruber Norman. Lester attended The Martin School, Toledo, OH, Sylvania High School, Sylvania, OH and Owens Community College, Toledo, OH. He served honorably in the US Army, including service in Germany. Lester was proud to be a retiree of General Motors Hydramatic with 31 years of service where he was a machinist tool grinder and where he forged many long lasting friendships. Lester had a wide range of hobbies. He loved boating and restored a 1978 27 ft Bayliner. He was a skilled cabinet maker and computer technologist. In his last few years, he designed and built a Computer Numerical Control machine. (CNC machining is a process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of machinery.) Lester was producing Christ-centered, faith proclaiming wooden plaques with 3 dimensional cutting. He sincerely loved others and wanted everyone to have a chance to learn about Jesus. Friends and family will miss Les’s gentle laughter, frequent smile and good humor. He treasured being with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and made at least a twice yearly trek to Toledo to celebrate birthdays, weddings and Christmas. He faithfully made and sent birthday cards to an extensive list of family and friends. Lester treasured beach time with his wife, Debbie and they loved fellowship and dining out with their church family. Lester was a member of Dorr Street Church of God as a young man. Later in life, he served at Inner City Baptist Church, pastored by his brother, Albert Norman. For three years, Lester drove the church van or bus, picking up children for Sunday School downtown in Toledo, OH. After retirement to Florida, Lester was a member of McGregor Baptist Church and Adult Sunday School. For several years, Lester greeted members and visitors at the door of the church. He also loved to share with friends and family the rewards received from serving multiple years in the Kairos prison fellowship ministry. Lester leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife of nearly 22 years, Deborah Grant Norman, daughters Edith (Tom) Loudenslager, Debra (David) Leffler, Susan (Paul) Stamm, Lezlie (Joey) Vogel, April (Jon) Curtis, and Amy Norman Reyes, fourteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren (and baby boy Stamm due 6/2022), brother and friend, Albert Gordon Norman and many dear nieces and nephews. Please consider leaving condolences for the family at the Gendron Funeral Home site. A memorial service is planned for early summer.

Lester Lloyd Norman

August 11, 1936 - March 17, 2022