Norman “Norm” Brunson, 77, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2020 at his residence. He was born on November 27, 1942 in Gary Indiana, the son of Virgil and Sylvia (Gerrish) Brunson. He married Melinda Storm on June 9, 1963, and she survives.
Norm faithfully served his Country in the United States Army National Guard. He was a 1961 Graduate of Mt. Carmel High School and remained an avid Aces football fan. He attended Barber College then owned and operated Norm’s Barber Shop in Mount Carmel for fifty-seven years. He had the honor of giving many children of the community their very first haircut and also served several generations in the same family. Norm always had a story and a good joke to tell. Friends would often stop by just for a visit even if they didn’t need their haircut. Norm served on the City Council in Mt. Carmel for twelve years. No matter which department he was responsible for overseeing, Norm was always ready to help wherever it was needed. He enjoyed the acts of service and showing his love for his community. Norm had a heart for the youth of the community. He sponsored a Little League Baseball team for several years. He was a twenty-seven year Cra-Wa-La Volunteers in Probation officer. Norm taught in the Royal Rangers small-group church ministry for young boys for many years and was an adult Sunday School teacher. Norm was a member of Heartland Worship Center. In his spare time, he loved to go fishing. He was a loving husband, father and papaw. Norm was loved and respected by many and he will be dearly missed.
In addition to his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Norm leaves behind two daughters, Angie (Kevin) Porter of Boonville, IN and Holly French of Ocean Springs MS; grandchildren, Keyla Porter, Levi Porter, Chloe French, Evie French and Wyatt French; sisters, Elaine (Melvin) Cox, Carol Douglas; aunt, Wilma Gerrish; many loved cousins and his beloved little dog, Ruby.
Norm was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Dwight Douglas.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Thursday, November 12, 2020 at Heartland Worship Center. Social distancing practices will be in place.
Funeral Services will be 1:30 p.m., Thursday, November 12, 2020 at Heartland Worship Center. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
Memorial contributions may be made in Norm’s memory to the Spina Bifida Association.
Envelopes will be at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Norm’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Brunson family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
